Families with babies and infants are flocking to milk banks due to the baby formula shortage in the United States.

Milk banks accept, pasteurize, and give donated breast milk to families in need.

But breast milk isn't always the best alternative for formula-fed babies.

And many milk banks also give priority to babies with medical conditions.

The U.S. has been experiencing shortages since a February recall of formula from Abbott Nutrition, a large supplier.

The recalls followed a federal investigation into the death of four babies who got bacterial infections after having Abbott formula.

A Michigan factory was shut down due to possible bacterial contamination.

Global supply-chain delays have also exacerbated the baby formula shortage.

Poorer families are the most impacted by the shortage, as the recall cut all brands covered by WIC, a federal aid program that helps women, infants and children.

Across the country 43% of formula is out of stock, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Typically baby formula is only 10% out of stock on average.

In addition to contacting milk banks, many families are also turning to social media groups and online forums to find individual breast milk donors.

Facebook page called Human Milk 4 Human Babies.

Abbot said it hoped to restart manufacturing within two weeks after the government allows them to.

Once the factory is running, it could take 6-8 weeks for the formula to be restocked.

The FDA has also said it is working to allow for more imports of baby formula.

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