Product Awareness:
Protecting Tiny Lives. The Role of Product Awareness in NEC Prevention

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“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”

— Steve Maraboli

Studies show that some cow’s milk-based infant formulas have been linked to a potentially deadly condition. Specifically, cow’s milk has been linked to an increased risk of developing a gastrointestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Infant formulas like Enfamil and Similac have been linked to life-threatening conditions for premature babies or preterm infants.

Instant formulas that are made from cow milk, and are given to newborn babies as a substitute for human breast milk.

Manufactured and sold by Mead Johnson Nutrition since 1959, Enfamil has long been associated with increased risks for premature babies, particularly in relation to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). Despite knowing for years about scientific evidence and clinical studies linking Enfamil to a higher risk of NEC, Mead Johnson chose not to include
proper warning labels on their product. This decision to withhold critical information placed vulnerable consumers at unnecessary risk. This continued all the way into 2022.

First released in the late 1920s, Similac is a cow’s milk based infant formula that is sold in 96 countries worldwide.

Similac has also been linked to an increased risk of NEC in babies. Despite numerous studies and scientific evidence highlighting the dangers of formula feeding for preterm babies, Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of Similac, failed to adequately warn consumers about these risks. Research has shown that infants fed Similac, especially those not receiving breast milk, are at a significantly higher risk of developing NEC. Despite this knowledge, Abbott continued to
market Similac without proper warnings for decades. This lack of transparency persisted for many years, even as the evidence grew stronger, placing countless families at risk.

Types of Baby Formulas:

  1. Cow’s milk formulas: formula that uses cow’s milk protein that has been treated to make it safe for infants and is used with almost all babies
  2. Goat’s milk formulas: a nutrient-dense alternative to cow milk formula that can be a good option for babies who have sensitivities, allergies, or trouble digesting cow’s milk
  3. Lactose-free formulas: usually recommended by doctors when the baby is lactose intolerant
  4. Soy-Based Formulas: generally a healthy alternative to cow’s milk formula, especially for babies with conditions that prevent them from breathing down sugars and proteins in cow’s milk 
  5. Special Health problem formulas: often directed for premature babies or babies with low birth weight, but also recommended for babies with digestive problems, reflux, or heart disease

Types of Replacement Formulas:

  1. Gerber Soya Formula
  2. SMA Soya Formula
  3. Earth’s Best Organic Soy Formula
  4. Little Ones Soy-Based Infant Formula

  1. Alfamino Infant Formula with Iron
  2. Nutricua Neocate Syneo Infant Hypoallergenic Formula
  3. HiPP HA Formula
  4. HiPP Comfort Formula
  5. Holle Goat Formula 
  6. Aptamil Comfort Formula

  1. Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
  2. Best Budget Organic Baby Formula Baby’s Only
  3. Holle Swiss-based Organic Formula 
  4. ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula
  5. Else Plant-Based Infant Formula

Breastmilk Donors

  • The Milk Bank: On a mission to promote community health by expanding the safe use of human milk for all babies, especially premature and ill infants. Impacts the greater Midwest area and dispenses to hospitals and families across 18 states. Visit: https://www.themilkbank.org/
  • Tiny Treasures Milk Bank: Provides screened and pasteurized donor breast milk to infants in need, especially premature or medically fragile babies. By offering a safe alternative when a mother’s milk is unavailable, the milk bank helps reduce the risk of conditions like Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and supports healthy growth and development. All donations are carefully screened for safety to ensure the well-being of the infants who receive them. Visit: https://tinytreasuresmilkbank.com/

Disclaimer: These are our findings and information to be helpful for our community. We 100% always recommend consulting with your child’s pediatrician or diagnosing doctor regarding any concerns or questions you may have about starting a new formula.

Sites used: https://www.millerandzois.com/products-liability/formula-nec-lawsuit/enfamil-nec-lawsuit/

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