Media Release: When an Emergency Strikes Breastfeeding Can Save Lives, Part 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 1, 2005 ( Schaumburg , IL ) When an emergency occurs, such as the recent Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast, breastfeeding saves lives.

Breastfeeding protects babies from the risks of a contaminated water supply. It provides protection against respiratory illnesses and diarrhea--diseases that can be fatal in populations displaced by disaster.

The basics of breastfeeding during an emergency are much the same as they are in normal times. Continuing to breastfeed whenever the baby seems hungry maintains a mother’s milk supply and provides familiar comfort. The release of hormones while a mother is breastfeeding relieves stress and anxiety and is calming to both mother and baby.

IF A MOTHER HAS JUST GIVEN BIRTH

If it is within even five days of the birth a mother can have a full milk supply quickly by putting the baby to the breast immediately and breastfeeding the baby, every two to three hours or more frequently. Breast milk is 87% water, so the mother should drink to thirst plus a little bit more. Drinking too much water is not recommended as the mother will be uncomfortable and no additional milk will be produced.

RELACTATION INFORMATION

If a mother has not just recently given birth, but it is up to six months after birth she can relactate by putting baby to the breast, or express the breast, every two hours. Initially she may be producing only drops per day. Some mothers find that their supply increases by about one ounce every 24 hours. Mother then decreases the amount of formula, or donated human milk from another mother, by about one ounce a day. The younger the baby the sooner it will be to establish a full milk supply.

For more information on breastfeeding during an emergency, check out this page on the La Leche League Web site at www.lalecheleague.org/emergency.html

La Leche League Leaders are trained community volunteers who answer questions about breastfeeding. Contact an LLL Leader in the US on our Web site or call 800 LA LECHE, Option 4.

Since 1956 La Leche League International, a nonprofit organization now in over 60 countries, has helped mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, and education.

Contact Information: Mary Lofton at (847) 519-7730, ext. 271 or Katy Lebbing ext. 245.

Last updated Monday, October 2, 2006 by njb.

Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:32:31 UTC 2007.