Human milk in a state of emergency

In emergencies, including natural disasters and armed conflict, breastfeeding and human milk feeding are important strategies for increasing infant and child survival. Appropriate and timely support of infant and young child feeding in emergencies saves lives.1

It is rarely in the best interest of the lactating parent or the child to cease breastfeeding in case of disease outbreaks or illnesses affecting lactating parents or children.2

Following a disaster, one of the first things that are donated is breastmilk substitutes –often with the best of intentions, but this can have a negative impact on the health of mothers and children, even when clean water and sanitary conditions exist. Infants who are not breastfed are vulnerable to infection and to developing diarrhea. These substitutes may put infants’ lives at risk.3

Wet nursing or human donor milksharing are recognized options for feeding infants and young children in emergencies and disasters. Unfortunately, despite the uniquely complex qualities and functions of human milk, as a food, tissue, and/or therapeutic product, the relevant regulatory frameworks for donor human milksharing and wet nursing are practically non-existent4 and myths prevail.5

Identifying key decision-makers at the household, community, and local health-facility level who influence infant and young child feeding practices is crucial information when determining the priorities for action and response in emergencies. A parent-to-parent milksharing network can be vital for the fast mobilization of aid when and where needed.6

Heat-treating breastmilk remains an option in any affected area if necessary.
How do I protect my breastmilk during a power outage?

Next: Resources for support

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  1. Melissa Bartick et al. 2024. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Position Statement – Breastfeeding in Emergencies. ↩︎
  2. World Health Organization (WHO). 2004. Guiding principles for feeding infants and young children during emergencies ↩︎
  3. Veronica Riemer. World Health Organization. 2009. The importance of breastfeeding during emergencies. Podcast ↩︎
  4. Julie P Smith, Alessandro Iellamo. 2020. Wet nursing and donor human milksharing in emergencies and disasters: A review ↩︎
  5. Infact Canada – Infant Feeding in Emergencies ↩︎
  6. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2020. Infant Feeding in Disasters and Emergencies ↩︎