Moms seeking formula tire of those who say, just breastfeed

Some U.S. moms looking for baby formula that is in short supply are dealing with another layer of stress — people asking why they don't just breastfeed

As Morgan Fabry drives around Chicago looking for baby formula that is in short supply, she can’t help but be bothered by comments from people who don’t understand why she can’t breastfeed.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life by major medical entities like the World Health Organization, giving rise to the saying, “breast is best.” But breastfeeding doesn’t work for everyone, and that mantra is only adding to the stress Fabry and other parents feel as the shortage drags on.

“The bottom line is fed is best,’’ said Fabry, 34. “I’m getting triggered by people who say, ‘Oh, just breastfeed.’"

At the center of the shortage is the largest domestic manufacturing plant in Michigan, which the U.S. government is working to reopen. The Biden administration is also allowing more imports from other countries.