Breastfeeding during emergencies used to be a topic about something that was happening somewhere else to someone else. However, now with the rise in tragedies that are happening everywhere in the world, breastfeeding during emergencies affects all of us. We know these emergency situations are increasing and will continue to do so as time goes by. These could be earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, drought, or war. As Nancy and Barbara were recording this episode, Florida and the surrounding areas were expecting another hurricane.
We know that during emergencies, nursing is key to infant health and survival. It provides optimal nutrition and needs no outside resources. A common myth is that the stress of the emergency or lack of resources for parents will negatively affect families. However, even when malnourished and stressed, nursing parents can produce good quality milk for their babies.
New research also shows that during emergencies a mother’s mental health is positively affected by breastfeeding which also promotes more breastfeeding. Good for babies, good for parents. So, what are some of the barriers to promoting and protecting breastfeeding during emergencies?
Knowing that providing lactation training to health care workers, relief workers, and families is key for success is at the top of the list. Miss-information is still rampant even among well meaning health care workers and relief workers. Families need accurate medical information and social and emotional support.
Exclusive nursing, wet nursing, induced lactation, and relactation should be encouraged in emergencies, as even partial milk production can save babies’ lives. Since 2020 studies show that breastfeeding supportive practices in the hospital during emergencies can increase breastfeeding rates.
New research also shows, surprise, surprise, understanding and addressing specific cultural breastfeeding practices and barriers is important. Providing support to a population that already has high breastfeeding rates is very different than working with families that come from an area of low breastfeeding rates. Even the differences between families from urban areas vs. rural areas and their needs can be dramatic.
Another recent finding was that facilitating ways to provide breastfeeding privacy is critical to some populations. Being creative is important for this to assess what resources are available and practical. Ideally, families would have a private, safe space to nurse but this isn’t always possible. Aprons, baby carries, and shawls can be helpful here.
International rules exist on formula distribution. Making sure these are followed is such an important piece for success. The idea that a milk supply is fragile is a common belief and families worry they don’t have enough milk for their babies (even though they often do!) can be reinforced by having lots of formula available vs. breast/chestfeeding support.
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