Every parent wants their infant to receive the best nutrition while growing up. While some women are comfortable with breastfeeding, others are not. The ones who aren’t able to breastfeed their infants often choose commercially prepared infant formulas. These products contain nutrients and vitamins that infants should receive for optimal growth.
Formula-feeding products are usually manufactured under sterile conditions. They mimic breast milk using a complex blend of sugars, proteins, vitamins, and fats that you can’t develop at home. However, over the years, it has been observed that formula-fed babies have been more vulnerable to food allergies and respiratory infections compared to breastfed babies.
Some standard baby formula side effects include stomach upset, eczema, and a runny nose. In extreme cases, premature babies often suffer from NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis). As a result, it is necessary for parents to rethink their decision to opt for infant formula products.
A Mother From Georgia Complained About Formula Feeding
In February 2024, 11alive.com reported how a Georgia woman faced an adverse predicament with infant formula. Heather Holley is currently all set to warn other parents about the probable dangers of newborn feeding practices. It’s because her premature twins have been affected by NEC.
Simply put, NEC is an intestinal ailment linked to formula-feeding products, such as Similac and Enfamil. It has resulted in deaths and severe complications for premature infants. Hence, parents whose babies have developed NEC or any other health hazard linked to formula feeding can file a Similac or Enfamil lawsuit to seek compensation. The complaint will help shed light on this concern and will also help parents use the settlement payout to cover their sufferings.
Irrespective of her wish to breastfeed her kid, she was suggested by doctors to use formula feeding for extra calories. It’s a common practice in hospitals. Unfortunately, River, one of her twins, developed NEC and died. Heather’s experience is considered a part of the bigger national concern, with several patients asking for increased transparency in neonatal care.
However, names like Mead Jhonson and Abbott have denied these allegations. Heather is still on her mission to seek answers about the dangers of formula feeding. She attempts to warn other parents about the hazards of baby formula so that they can take note and avoid risking the lives of their babies.
Side Effects of Baby Formula Feeding
Apart from NEC, some of the standard baby formula side effects occur because of food allergies. For instance, several manufacturers make use of cow’s milk as a core element in baby formulas. Despite that, cow’s milk allergy is a common side effect. Close to 7% of babies younger than 12 months can be allergic to the protein contained in cow’s milk.
If the baby formula is made incorrectly, it can also affect your baby. The CDC has warned parents not to make use of homemade infant formula or purchase imported formula online from any third-party sellers. This can pose other problems, such as dangerous electrolyte imbalances, inadequate nutrition, and contamination.
The baby formula might have the nutrition mix that your baby requires. However, studies have revealed that babies who have been fed formula products are at a higher risk of obesity, sudden infant death, respiratory infections, allergies, and cognitive development issues.
Additionally, a specific kind of bacteria known as Cronobacter might contaminate infant feeding formula. It can take place at the time of the manufacturing process, during feeding, or home preparation from unsanitary bottles.
In February 2022, a baby formula recall was issued by Abbott for specific sections of its Alimentum, EleCare, and Similac formulas. This was a response to three complaints concerning the Cronobacter infection. There was one Salmonella infection complaint as well.
TorHoerman Law states that since anecdotal accounts and news reports state issues with formula feeding, it is necessary to exercise caution. If your baby has suffered from NEC or any other severe health conditions after formula feeding, you must preserve all medical documents. It will help you to share them as evidence when you consult a lawyer to seek legal recourse.
What Should Parents Do?
Considering the negative reputation of formula feeding that is going around the world, parents must decide wisely about their infant’s nourishment. You shouldn’t blindly opt for any infant formula products because of the dangers that they carry. It is necessary to speak with your doctor about it and share your concerns.
Don’t let your doctor suggest an infant formula brand that has a reputation for NEC and other health hazards. It is necessary to ensure that your baby is safe and doesn’t suffer because of any decision that you make without being well-informed.
This discussion highlights that parents must pay adequate attention to how and what their infants are being fed. Formula feeding has a bad reputation for the health hazards it creates for premature babies. Even when infants with NEC survive, they might have other lifelong health conditions that affect their immunity and overall health. Hence, parents must think twice before opting for infant formula products.