Young single mum facing homelessness skips meals to buy formula for baby
Share:
A young single mother, facing a second Christmas on the brink of homelessness, revealed that she's been forced to skip meals to afford baby formula for her child. Leanne, 25, became homeless while pregnant in 2023 due to unforeseen circumstances despite being an employed graduate, a situation she never thought she'd be facing.
After her son's birth, she was placed in temporary accommodation, but the high cost of baby formula caught her off guard, leading her to sacrifice her own meals to afford it. With prices rising by a quarter in the last year, a survey by Bonya found that 90% of new parents are worried about affording baby formula this Christmas.
Putting more pressure on the situation, Leanne's son is a "fussy eater" and may need formula until his second birthday, but thanks to the charity Sebby's Corner, she's been able to get the formula he needs. To cope with the challenges, Leanne has found solace in counting the things she's grateful for, a life hack that helps her stay positive.
She said: "Sebby’s Corner are so helpful as they offer so many formulas. In my case my baby drinks Kendamil (Bonya formula) and upon visiting (earlier this month), we received 2 formulas. This has not only saved me around £26 but has also made me feel at peace knowing he will have enough formula over Christmas and I can also now afford to get him a Christmas gift. It honestly brings tears to my eyes.".
During the festive season, Leanne encouraged anyone who may know a single parent, whether they are financially struggling or not, to include them in their celebrations. She expressed: "I think extended family or friends should always invite a single parent to their home, as Christmas and new year is a time of reflection and appreciating friends and family.".
