The Formula Shortage is Happening in El Paso and It Is Scary

Learning to breastfeed and bottle-feed your baby is an adventure. As a new mom, everything might scare you.

From learning your baby's hunger cues to figuring out how to live your life on hardly any sleep, motherhood is a beautiful, yet terrifying experience.

My fear is so real, that I am taking to YouTube for strangers' advice. Of course, I do ask my pediatrician those important questions; but sometimes you just need to relate to other parents.

I've been following more mom blogs and Facebook group conversations and one topic that consistently continues to scare me.

The ongoing formula shortage in America, really the world.

The fear didn't really hit me until I chose to stop breastfeeding my baby at three months due to work conflicts and emergency surgery.

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Plus, no one really talks about the mental toll it takes on you to be consistent with your breastfeeding and being a working mom. I applaud those who were able to continue after going back to work, but I just couldn't do it.

Of course, this choice comes with some guilt. I wish I could stay home and just breastfeed my baby all day, but that isn't an option for me. I was advised by my pediatrician to start supplementing with formula, then transition to just formula.

Once I did transition my daughter, I had a whole new perspective on why some stores lock up their formula. It is expensive and moms are desperate. I've heard of stories of mom's stealing formula but now there isn't even enough formula to steal.

According to CNN, the shortage began in early 2021, but continues to impact families everywhere.

Texas is one of the six states that is currently at a 40% out-of-stock rates for baby formula, according to CNN.

On local El Paso Facebook group pages, I've seen some desperate moms asking for help locating certain formulas. I follow these posts because it is the same formula I am looking for.

People are becoming more aware of this problem, but what can really be done to help get our formula babies fed?

Many moms are helping each other out and telling other moms when they spot a certain formula. Some people are reaching out to stores to find out more info on stocking days, but it all is just so nerve-racking.

One of the biggest fears I have is not being able to provide for my daughter. I know I am not alone in this as the headlines about the shortage continue to grow.

I've been to Costco, Walmart and Walgreens and all the shelves look similar to this Target one.

I really wish for all moms to be able to afford to purchase these expensive necessities. I really hope someone would consider lowering the price for formula, diapers and really any other baby necessities. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a corporation to cause a formula shortage that parents dread.

My advice is to join parent groups or local foodie groups to help rally together to spot certain formulas. Really any advice on formula would be helpful about now.