Breastfeeding in Emergencies: A Lifeline for Mothers and Babies

War and conflict can have a devastating impact on families, especially on mothers and babies. Access to food, water, and healthcare is often disrupted, putting breastfeeding mothers and their babies at increased risk of malnutrition and disease. 

Breastfeeding is a lifeline in emergencies.

Here are two real stories:

1. A mother in Syria:

• During the Syrian conflict, a mother was forced to flee her home with her newborn baby.

• They were displaced for several months, living in a refugee camp with limited access to food and water.

• Despite the challenges, the mother continued to breastfeed her baby.

• Breastfeeding provided her baby with essential nutrients and antibodies, which helped to protect him from disease.

• The mother's breast milk also provided comfort and security to her baby, which was especially important during a time of such upheaval.

2. A mother in Ukraine:

• In the early days of the war in Ukraine, a mother was trapped in a city under siege.

• She and her baby were forced to shelter in a basement for several days without access to food or water.

• The mother's breast milk became her baby's only source of nourishment.

• When the siege was finally lifted, the mother and her baby were able to evacuate to safety.

• Breastfeeding had helped to keep her baby alive during a time of great danger.

These stories are just two examples of the many mothers and babies who have been helped by breastfeeding during emergencies.

As a lactation consultant, I am committed to supporting breastfeeding mothers and babies in all situations, including emergencies.

If you are a breastfeeding mother who is affected by war or conflict, please know that you are not alone.

There are resources available to help you.

Here are some organizations that can provide support:

• World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/emergencies-infant-feeding/facts.html

• United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF): https://www.unicef.org/ukraine/en/stories/feeding-children-under-2-years-emergency-situations

• International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA): https://www.laserinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ILCA_HANDBOOK_2023.pdf

You can also find support groups and online forums for breastfeeding mothers in emergencies.

Together, we can help to ensure that all mothers and babies have the support they need to breastfeed during emergencies.