Written by Hannah Harp
Spoon Feed
Breastfeeding initiation rates increased in the wake of the 2022 infant formula crisis, especially among groups with historically lower levels of breastfeeding.
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A U.S. formula shortage occurred February to December of 2022 due to a combination of COVID-related supply chain issues, Abbott formula recall, and plant closure for investigation of foodborne illness. This study examined whether breastfeeding initiation rates changed in response to the 2022 U.S. infant formula shortage. Using national birth certificate data (2016–2022), breastfeeding initiation increased by 1.96% (95%CI 1.68–2.23) using Bayesian structural time-series (BSTS) analysis and 1.88% (95%CI 1.53–2.23) using a linear probability model, with the largest gains among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. The highest increase (6.06%, 95%CI 5.26–6.87) was observed among Black mothers. There was no significant increase among college educated, non-WIC participating mothers with private insurance who live in populated areas. The findings suggest potential opportunities for reducing breastfeeding disparities. The BSTS model infers causality due to its extended baseline data period, capturing seasonality, and changes during the pandemic, though it cannot adjust for confounders and does not provide information on breastfeeding duration or exclusivity.
How will this change my practice?
While not directly practice changing, it’s a good reminder that breastfeeding disparities are significant but modifiable with the right interventions, such as regulation of formula marketing, lactation, and work-place supports.
Source
Breastfeeding Trends Following the US Infant Formula Shortage. Pediatrics. 2025 Jan 1;155(1):e2024067139. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-067139. PMID: 39729396
