In the aftermath of emergencies like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, helping mothers to initiate and continue breastfeeding is crucial. Under normal conditions, infants who are not breastfed are much more susceptible to infections and other illnesses, three times as likely to require hospitalization, and 21% more likely to die in the first year of life. Children in vulnerable situations have a special need for the extra protection that breastfeeding ensures, including infection-fighting factors, optimal nutrition, reliable food source, and comfort. This challenge, and many more, will be addressed in the upcoming new peer-reviewed journal Breastfeeding Medicine (www.liebertpub.com/bfm), the Official Journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (www.bfmed.org).
In contrast to powdered formula, which needs to be mixed with water, human milk provides ample hydration and spares infants exposure to water contaminated during the destruction caused by natural disasters. Direct breastfeeding also prevents the illnesses attributable to bottles and nipples "washed" in unclean water.
Most mothers in the U.S. want to breastfeed, but many quit sooner than recommended, citing lack of sufficient societal support as one key reason. Women warrant extra support during crises like hurricanes and floods. Every effort should be made to rapidly reunite and keep infants with their mothers, provide space where they can feel comfortable nursing, and welcome moms to breastfeed whenever and wherever their babies show signs of hunger or distress.
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