Behind the Latch · Ep. 81 · May 28, 2026 · 39:44

What COVID and the Formula Shortage Taught Us About Breastfeeding Support with Dr. Elizabeth Kar

In this conversation, Dr. Elizabeth Kar discusses her research on breastfeeding promotion and the challenges faced by breastfeeding families during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the impact of reduced lactation support and the infant formula shortage. She emphasizes the importance of lactation consultants and community support in successful breastfeeding, critiques the marketing strategies of formula companies, and calls for better policies to protect and promote breastfeeding. In this conversation, Margaret Saltysiak and Elizabeth Kar discuss the complexities surrounding infant feeding choices, particularly the challenges of breastfeeding and formula feeding. They highlight the fragility of the infant feeding infrastructure in the U.S., the lessons learned from the pandemic regarding breastfeeding support, and the critical need for paid family leave to support new parents. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and ensuring equitable access to breastfeeding support and resources.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Elizabeth Kar and Her Work

03:03 Exploring the Triple Threat to Breastfeeding Families

06:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Lactation Support

09:02 The Role of Lactation Consultants

11:59 The Formula Shortage and Its Effects

14:58 The Marketing Influence of Formula Companies

18:06 The Need for Better Infant Feeding Policies

21:43 The Challenges of Infant Feeding Choices

24:15 Fragility of Infant Feeding Infrastructure

27:20 Lessons from the Pandemic on Breastfeeding Support

30:25 The Need for Paid Family Leave