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 स्तन का दूध 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

गीला नर्सिंग 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?

अगला: Resources for support

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  1. Melissa Bartick et al. 2024. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Position Statement – Breastfeeding in Emergencies. ↩︎
  2. विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन (WHO). 2004. आपात स्थिति के दौरान शिशुओं और छोटे बच्चों को खिलाने के लिए मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत ↩︎
  3. Veronica Riemer. विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन. 2009. The importance of breastfeeding during emergencies. Podcast ↩︎
  4. जूली पी स्मिथ, एलेसेंड्रो इलामो. 2020. Wet nursing and donor human milksharing in emergencies and disasters: एक समीक्षा ↩︎
  5. Infact Canada – Infant Feeding in Emergencies ↩︎
  6. अमेरिकन एकेडमी ऑफ पीडियाट्रिक्स. 2020. आपदाओं और आपात स्थितियों में शिशु आहार ↩︎