Vulnerable Metro Vancouver moms in need of baby feeding supplies
A non-profit that helps vulnerable families across Metro Vancouver is feeling the impact of the rising costs of baby formula and breast pumps.
Meghan Neufeld, the executive director of BabyGoRound, said more mothers are requesting breast pumps than ever before.
“There has been a shortage of infant formula, which has driven the cost of formula up by about 20 per cent and the rate of breast pumps up 24 per cent,” she said.
As a result, Neufeld says there’s been a 70 per cent spike in the number of referrals for women in need breast pumps
On average, families spend between $400 and $800 a month on baby formula, according to Neufeld.
She says some mothers rely on breast pumps when they are having difficulty breastfeeding, which can result from latching issues or medical complications.
“People assume that breastfeeding is going to be the easy and free way to feed your child,” Neufeld said. “Unfortunately, it's not the reality for all moms.”
She added that research has shown, breastfeeding is more difficult for the most vulnerable mothers.
“Study shows that women who are considered food insecure are less likely to be able to breastfeed than those who are not considered food insecure. So what this means is that the women who really need that benefit of being able to feed their child in a free way, don't have that as an option—and it's not for a lack of trying,” she explained.
Manual breast pumps costs about $50 and electric ones costs at least $150.
BabyGoRound accepts donations for most baby equipment through its website, but it cannot accept gently used breast pumps.
“We have to pay for each of the breast pumps that we give out. It's hard for us to be able to keep up with those numbers,” she said.
That’s why the charity is raising awareness on the issue and requesting financial help from the community, because it does not want to turn away a desperate mother and her hungry baby.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Wrong-way crash involving police on Ontario's Highway 401 leaves 4 dead, including infant
A wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby, Ont. last night has left four people dead, including an infant, Ontario’s police watchdog says.
BREAKING Judge holds Trump in contempt, fines him US$9,000 and raises threat of jail in hush money trial
Donald Trump was held in contempt of court Tuesday and fined US$9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order that barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and some others connected to his New York hush money case. If he does it again, the judge warned, he could be jailed.
McGill requests 'police assistance' over pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University says it has 'requested police assistance' about the pro-Palestinian encampment on its lower field.
New cancer treatment approved, but not everyone thinks it's what's best for patients
A new cancer treatment recently approved in Canada promises to cut treatment time down to just minutes, but experts have differing opinions on whether it's what's best for patients.
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
Canada's new dental program offering hope of free care to millions but many dentists aren't signed up
A new Canadian dental care program is offering the hope of free care to millions, but while 1.7 million people have signed up for the plan, only about 5,000 dentists have done the same.
Sword-wielding man attacks passersby in London, killing a 13-year-old boy and injuring 4 others
A man wielding a sword attacked members of the public and police officers in a east London suburb early Tuesday, killing a 13-year-old boy and injuring four others, authorities said.
Police searching for 'armed man' in Dartmouth, N.S., residents asked to shelter in place
Residents in the area of Gaston Road in Dartmouth, N.S., are being asked to shelter in place as police search for an armed suspect.