Breastfeeding in emergencies I Whāngotea i ngā wā ohotata
Information on breastfeeding in emergencies, such as a natural disaster or pandemic
Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
During an emergency, such as a natural disaster or pandemic, breastfeeding can save lives (Gribble and Berry 2011; American Academy of Pediatrics 2020) by:
- protecting infants from the risks of an unclean water supply
- helping protect infants against respiratory illnesses and diarrhoea
- providing milk that is always at the right temperature for infants
- being available without needing other supplies.
Further reading I He rauemi anō
- Emergency preparedness for those who care for infants in developed country contexts
- Infant feeding in disasters and emergencies: Breastfeeding and Other Options (PDF, 360 KB)
- Providing breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic: Concerns of mothers who contacted the Australian Breastfeeding Association
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. 2020. Infant feeding in disasters and emergencies: Breastfeeding and other options. American Academy of Pediatrics.
Gribble K, Berry N. 2011. Emergency preparedness for those who care for infants in developed country contexts. International Breastfeeding Journal. 6(16)