In this episode, Helen Cai and Dr. Faith Crittenden chat with Katherine and Dr. Porto about the challenges and opportunities of relying on infant formula, especially if it wasn’t a parent’s original plan.

=== Outline ===

Chapter 1: The realities of Infant Feeding

Chapter 2: The history and science behind formula

Chapter 3: Safe practices in handing infant formula

Chapter 4: Formula’s unintended benefits on family life

=== Learning Points ===

1. All infant formula are safe and complete due to regulations by the FDA and Infant Formula Act of 1980
2. The majority of infants thrive on standard intact cow’s milk protein formula
3. Prepared, refrigerated formula can be safely stored for up to 24 hours
4. Never dilute formula to stretch it, as this can lead to electrolyte abnormalities and failure to thrive

=== Our Expert(s) ===

Dr. Anthony Porto is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist and Professor of Pediatrics at Yale, where he serves as Associate Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Medical Director of the Yale Pediatric Celiac Program. He is a recognized expert in infant nutrition and feeding, co-author of The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics

=== Further Reading ===

• CDC 2022 Breastfeeding Report Card: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-data/breastfeeding-report-card/index.html
• NASPGHAN list of formula equivalents: https://naspghan.org/recent-news/naspghan-tools-for-hcps-affected-by-formula-recall/
• Cernioglo K, Smilowitz JT. Infant feeding practices and parental perceptions during the 2022 United States infant formula shortage crisis. BMC Pediatr. 2023 Jun 24;23(1):320. doi: 10.1186/s12887-023-04132-9. PMID: 37355589; PMCID: PMC10290398.
• Calello DP, Jefri M, Yu M, Zarraga J, Bergamo D, Hamilton R. Notes from the Field: Vitamin D–Deficient Rickets and Severe Hypocalcemia in Infants Fed Homemade Alkaline Diet Formula — Three States, August 2020–February 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1124–1125. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7033a4
• Anderson CE, Whaley SE, Goran MI. Lactose-reduced infant formula with corn syrup solids and obesity risk among participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Am J Clin Nutr. 2022 Oct 6;116(4):1002-1009. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac173. PMID: 35998087; PMCID: PMC10157812.

=== About Us ===

The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.

Hosts: Helen Cai

Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango

Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman

Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango

Other background music: Jeremy Black, Nat Keefe, Schwartzy, Corbyn Kites, Dan Bodan, The Mini Vandals, Moonrise, Density&Time, Quincas Moreira, Jesse Gallagher, John Patitucci, Steve Adams

Instagram: @pcpearls

Twitter: @PCarePearls

Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls