#YolandaPH : Yet Another Reason to Go Back to the Breast

Being able to breastfeed is equal to empowering all moms to feed a hungry baby at any time, no matter how worse the situation may be! I can only imagine how bad the situation in Yolanda-hit areas - still no electricity after more than a week since the brunt of the storm and almost all the establishments leveled - but I am sure that among the supplies quickly depleted is clean and potable water.  Such water plus clean feeding bottles are the among the things you need should you decide to formula feed.  Such may be difficult or in most cases, impossible to come by during emergency situations. This is the main reason why breastfeeding is the safest option, emergency or not.

The World Health Organization puts is in much simpler terms, " Infant formula usually needs to be mixed with water. When there isn’t sufficient safe water available, babies who drink it can get very sick".  

Why Breastfeed Even during Disasters

Breastfeeding is best ESPECIALLY during disasters and emergencies! I’m lucky I have not yet experienced any severe any disaster like flood or typhoon like Pablo and Sendong as a nursing mom. But I imagined it will be more practical to be breastfeeding during a catastrophe like Pablo,  rather than to be on infant formula.

[caption id="attachment_1531" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Disaster strikes when you least expect it! It pays to be prepared. Breastfeeding gives the mom a sense of comfort, knowing that she can readily feed her infant on any event, disaster or not.
Source of photo:pcoo.gov.ph[/caption]

Breast milk is the only complete ready-to-eat meal for baby.

• Imagine having prepared a complete meal for your baby anytime and anywhere you go! Breast milk alone is best for babies until 6 months! You don't have to give any formula supplement or extra water.

Breastfeeding is the safest method of infant feeding! 

• The thing is, during disasters, access to clean water is probably impossible. On disasters, infrastructures might fail so potable water can be compromised. Formula feeding requires clean water to sanitize those synthetic nipples and bottles. Formula-feed if you have a constant and sure supply of clean water to dilute formula. Instead of being a lifesaver, formula can even do more harm if the water you used to dilute the powdered milk is safe.


• We usually see a rise in the number water-borne diseases like cholera, diarrhea and gastroenteritis  in the aftermath of floods or typhoons because the supply of fresh clean water was depleted. Would you risk using unclean water to feed baby?

Nursing comforts babies.

• On disaster events, a mom's warmth can help calm and soothe a baby in distress.  You can amplify the comfort by nursing baby in times of disasters. Skin to skin contact between mom and baby is maximized when breastfeeding. Babies older than 6 months can enjoy the warmth and comfort during nursing. 


• Breast milk has antibodies that strengthen the baby's immune system, which could be at risk during severe weather.

Nursing calms mom’s stress.

• To say that nursing moms in devastated areas are stressed in a understatement! Disasters of Ondoy, Sendong or Pablo proportions may leave the nursing mom in misery, hence the possible reduced capacity to produce milk. This situation will be overcome with the help of  a well trained health worker. It’s a must for evacuations centers to have a designated breastfeeding station. This way, moms and baby can concentrate on nursing.

According to WHO, malnourished mothers or mothers who lack food can still adequately breastfeed, if they are given extra fluids and food to protect their health.

Among the countless reasons, this, by far is the best reason to breastfeed!

Also worth reading:

• Top 10 reasons why breast is best


• Keeping your breastmilk safe during brownouts

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