Shortage of the only two breast milk formulas for premature babies in Quebec
Parents are panicking as the only two commercial formulas prescribed for premature babies are out of stock in Quebec. Préma-Québec is concerned about the mental health of these parents, who are struggling with a lack of information about alternatives to feed their infants.
The premature infant formulas Similac Neosure and EnfaCare, made by two U.S. companies, have been out of stock since at least the beginning of the week.
Préma-Québec, a Quebec-based organization that supports families of premature children, reports widespread alarm in a Facebook group of thousands of parents with premature babies.
Some mothers are asking if other users can supply them with portions of Similac Neosure or EnfaCare breast milk formula.
These two products are prescribed by doctors when a premature baby is discharged from the hospital.
The formula, designed to meet the specific needs of preterm infants, contains more calories and nutrients to support their growth, explained Dr. Marie St-Hilaire, a neonatologist at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, in an interview.
“We are receiving an overwhelming number of calls from panicked parents. Not being able to feed their baby or use the proper formula recommended for their preterm infant is deeply troubling to them, as they have been told for a long time that these are the right products for their child,” said Dr. St-Hilaire, adding that parents are unsure where to turn for alternatives.
The only option for these parents is to use standard infant formula, available at grocery stores and pharmacies.
Dr. St-Hilaire noted that both manufacturers have issued notices indicating that their preterm infant formulas should be back in stock within two to four weeks.
She explained that using standard formula temporarily is not harmful to the baby. If the shortage lasts only a month, as the manufacturers predict, the impact on the infant's health will not be severe, she said.
However, growth may be slightly affected. “There is no danger to the child,” the specialist reassured.
On Friday evening, all neonatologists in Quebec plan to meet to develop shared recommendations for premature infants being discharged from hospitals.
Préma-Québec expressed deep concern about the shortage’s impact on both the health of premature infants and the mental health of their parents.
Many of these parents have spent weeks at the bedside of their premature newborn, hoping for their recovery.
The organization regrets that now, back at home, these parents are being subjected to additional stress due to the shortage.
“We urge the relevant authorities to communicate with these parents urgently and provide them with alternative products and recipes for infant formula,” Préma-Québec stated in a written release.
This health content from The Canadian Press is funded through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for editorial decisions.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Oct. 23, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'The mom is shattered': Body of employee who died at Halifax Walmart was found by her mother
The Maritime Sikh Society says the body of a young employee who died at a Walmart in Halifax last weekend was found by her mother.
'Horrific': Four people dead after Tesla slams into pillar and catches fire on Lake Shore Boulevard in Toronto
Four people are dead and another is in hospital after a Tesla driving through downtown Toronto at a high rate of speed crashed into a guardrail and struck a concrete pillar on Lake Shore Boulevard.
Prosecutor recommends parole for Menendez brothers in 1989 murder of parents
A Los Angeles prosecutor said on Thursday he would ask a judge to release Erik and Lyle Menendez on parole after nearly 35 years in prison for the shotgun murder of their parents, as new evidence emerged indicating they were sexually abused by their father for years.
'Never said I was going to close the door on politics forever': Christy Clark on interest in federal leadership run
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces growing pressure from within his own caucus to step aside, former B.C. premier Christy Clark says she is open to returning to politics.
Former Sports Illustrated swimsuit model says Trump groped her to show off for Jeffrey Epstein
A former Sports Illustrated swimsuit model is alleging that former President Donald Trump groped her in the 1990s, in what she believes was an attempt to show off for Jeffrey Epstein.
2 suspects arrested after 4 teens stabbed outside Montreal high school
Montreal police say four teenagers suffered stab wounds after an altercation near John F. Kennedy High School in the city's Villeray—Saint-Michel—Parc-Extension borough on Thursday.
More straight couples are calling each other partner. Here's why
Within a year of dating, 31-year-old Siara Rouzer crossed a major relationship milestone. The guy she was seeing was no longer a boyfriend but her partner.
Trudeau announces massive drop in immigration targets as Liberals make major pivot
The federal government is slashing immigration targets to levels that will flatten population growth as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admits the government did not get the balance right after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Police identify woman stabbed to death in park in Ottawa's south end
The Ottawa Police Service has identified the woman who was stabbed to death at Paul Landry Park on Uplands Drive Thursday morning.