and low levels of diet mean and other essential nutrients. we know that those children, were also at risk for anemia. that is why we recommend that infants typically get or iron fortified formula or express milk, or breast milk directly. due to allergies or other medical conditions, there are children that cannot be breastfed or use iron fortified formula. in these cases, this is where we have specialized formula. this is when we have those issues. those kids are having a difficult time to be able to access those formulas. one, do not dilute the formula. to, do not make homemade formula. i want to play a piece of sound for you and get your reaction on the other side. okay. moms and dads all over the country, some are traveling hours every single day looking
formula. the defense and the health department will send planes over seas to pick up anything formula that meets the u.s. safety standards to get it on store shelves faster. we saw shipments over before your being loaded on planes in germany this morning. but for low income families and high-risk infants who are most affected by the shortage how, can we get through the next few weeks. joining me is dr. seuss said oh jakub, chief of academic a general populist children s hospital in mind if you are. doctor o a coup, you specialize in health care and health equity. from plenty of reporting, low income women, edge ill drawn, and families, are the ones hardest hit by this formula shortage. how are you advising your patients to get through these next few weeks when we do not have access to the formula that is needed? thank you so much for having
me. how we have been advising our families in multiple ways, is by having a conversation about the specific nutritional needs of the child. depending on if the child has allergies, a digestive problem, a metabolic problem, we will discuss if they switch between brands. they also have opportunities to talk to other vendors, to see if we were able to get the families the formula they may need. we also discuss in terms of introduction of complimentary foods, 46 each, they may be able to introduce complimentary fold. the first part of the complementary conversation about nutritional needs and how we can meet and support the family. doctor, it is really important that we deal with the fact that there is a lot of misinformation floating around online.
question whether they are going to be able to feed their child. that is where we have opportunity. where can policymakers focus their efforts? one, being able to provide resources to the fda. be able to continue to ensure that our babies formula supply is safe. the other is being able to provide support for theirs that are being covered. wick covers half of the population that uses baby formula. we need to ensure that those who have access, and that there are waivers that are available and used across the nation. they need to be multi-use consumer benefits to get the formula that their children need. the other is to be able to make a donor milk accessible. right now, donor milk is prohibited in terms of cost and supply. we need to be able to leverage insurance companies to make