A shortage of baby formula (milk) in the Cook Islands has prompted calls for mothers to prioritise and practice breastfeeding.

The S26 SMA infant formula has been absent from supermarket shelves in Rarotonga for over a month due to supply chain disruptions.

A Rarotonga resident, a mother of a three-year-old, told Cook Islands News that she typically maintains a stock of six to eight cans of formula, which can last for three months.

“Around September, I noticed that CITC didn’t have much stock, especially for toddlers. But I didn’t buy any because I still had two tins. A tin usually lasts for two weeks, sometimes less,” she explained.

“We tried ordering from New Zealand, but it’s very expensive due to shipping and customs fees. However, the formula is cheaper. It’s $38 here and $27 in NZ.”

Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC) general manager Gaye Whitta clarified that SMA is a Nestle product, and due to regulatory restrictions, the Pacific Islands are supplied out of Fiji rather than New Zealand, as was the case previously. This change in supply arrangements affected CITC’s stock levels, leading to the shortage.

Whitta assured that the product is en route from Fiji, expected to arrive on December 12.

“We normally stock Heinz Nurture but due to supply issues out of New Zealand (since June) we have only just been able to secure stock. The stock is
currently being devanned and should be on the shelves at the Supermarket
tomorrow (today),” Whitta explained. 
“We also have the Karicare range which is available but stock levels of
baby formula should be ok from this week onwards.”

Lisa Hesp, coordinator of the “Nui” programme at the Cook Islands Child Welfare Association, emphasised that if a baby under six months is formula-fed and the formula runs out, breastmilk from a breastfeeding family member or friend should be sought to ensure the baby receives adequate nutrition for healthy growth and development.

Hesp stressed that breastfeeding is the optimal and sole food source for babies during the first six months of life.

“It’s always ready to go so pepe (baby) doesn’t have to wait, it’s at the right temperature and it’s sterile/clean, reduces chance of pepe needing hospital treatment, reduces risk of allergies, asthma, eczema and reflux, reduces risk of heart disease, obesity and diabetes later in their life and helps their brain development and bonding with mama,” she said.

“Mamas who breastfeed reduce their risk of ovarian and breast cancer, and making breast milk burns calories! It doesn’t cost any money and of course, if the formula runs out – no problem. If you can, it’s good to keep breastfeeding pepe beyond six months to two years or more for extra health benefits.”

Between six to12 months of age, breastmilk, infant formula or water are the only liquids the little one needs, Hesp said.

“If your 6–12-month-old usually has formula but it has run out and you can’t get more, you can try to source breastmilk from a family member or friend who is breastfeeding to give to pepe alongside the solid foods. Otherwise, give your little one filtered/drinking water as well as the solid foods.

“You can also introduce nu to pepe from six months. Do not give babies under 12 months cow’s milk. Wait until baby is over one year old before giving cow’s milk. Do not add sugar to baby’s drinks.”

Starting around six months of age, babies can begin consuming solid foods, commencing with very smooth and runny mixtures blended with breastmilk, formula, or water.

Hesp works alongside nurse-midwife and childbirth educator Rereao Vano to deliver their Nui “antenatal or pregnancy” classes at the Cook Islands Child Welfare Association in Takuvaine. 

They ran their first pilot six-week course in May/June this year and are currently running their third course funded by the Australian High Commission.  “Tonight (Wednesday) our topic is breastfeeding and we welcome any interested pregnant/nui mamas and their partner/support person to join us from 5pm for a friendly, relaxed and informative session. Classes are free – see our ‘Nui’ Facebook page for more details and to contact us.”