JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The struggle to find baby formula on the First Coast is real, according to Jessica Gillan.
She's a lactation counselor and the leader of the Le Leche League in Nocatee, a free breastfeeding support group.
"A lot of moms are really stressed out and it's really becoming concerning for them."
She says there are several options for moms who are having a hard time finding a solution.
She suggests calling your pediatrician and asking for samples, or calling the manufacture directly. She says try shopping at smaller chain grocery stores or even consider donated milk from other mothers.
"If it's going to be nutrient dense and work for someone else's baby, chances are it's going to work for your baby too," Gillan said.
However, the FDA recommends against feeding your baby breast milk directly from other individuals or through the internet because it's unlikely to have been adequately screened.
"The baby formula shortage does make me a bit nervous," Crystal Parks told First Coast News.
She's expecting her second child in July and is hoping to stock up on some baby formula, if she could find some.
She started the Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida in 2020 helping non-profits deliver diapers to families. She's continuing that mission, while also searching for formula shortage solutions.
"I've had conversations with family members who have newborns that are starting to get a bit stressed out about the formula shortage. We've gone out and helped look for formula," Parks said.
Gillan expects the shortage to last another month or two and urges women to link up with support groups who she says can help offer alternatives.
Gillan is on social media. You can follow her Instagram page here.