Feeding Your Baby in Emergencies
Breastfed babies are ready for anything! If you need help finding a health care provider or breastfeeding support during an emergency, call 1-800-251-BABY (2229).
Additional Information and Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Children Website- Creating a Family Disaster Plan
American Academy of Pediatrics- Children and Disasters
Helpful Articles from La Leche League International (LLLI):
FAQ on How Can I Increase My Milk Supply? These tips will also help mothers who wish to relactate (return to breastfeeding after stopping).
Relactation Tips FAQ: Strategies for rebuilding a milk supply–useful if other foods are in short supply.
FAQ on Building Up Milk Supply: Originally for mothers who pump milk when away from their babies, this FAQ has some very helpful tips.
Hand Expression: an article with information on hand expressing milk, if a pump is not available.
Dealing with stress in emergencies: Breastfeeding in Times of Chaos
International Lactation Consultant Association- ILCA’s Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Breastfeeding Mothers
Texas WIC Program: Handout for mothers in Emergencies – 2005:developed in Texas (PDF) and Other Helpful Information
General Emergency Preparedness Information
(The information above was adapted from the following resources: 2009 International Lactation Consultant Association- Written by Kendall Cox and Cathy Carothers, for World Breastfeeding Week Action Kit, “Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response. Are You Ready?.”, American Academy of Pediatrics (2007): “Infant Feeding During a Disaster: Breastfeeding and Other Options” and the United States Breastfeeding Committee Publication: Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response. Are You Ready?)