Resources for Breastfeeding During Emergencies

La Leche League has compiled helpful information for breastfeeding mothers who experience natural disasters or other emergencies, and for the care providers who support them.

1. Helpful LLL information for mothers.
   • Listing of LLL information related to breastfeeding during emergencies including personal stories and FAQs about increasing milk supply and other breastfeeding concerns.


2. How to Contact a local La Leche League Leader.

• Links to information about Leaders and local Group meetings.

  During emergencies, our 800 LA LECHE (800-525-3243) phone line may be overwhelmed with calls, so using our Web site may be the quickest way to find breastfeeding help. If you need to call 800 LA LECHE and want to find a Leader in the US, try using our automated system that gives the names and phone numbers of US Leaders using postal ZIP codes. Any Leader can answer questions. She does not have to be from the ZIP code entered. Leaders living in areas affected by emergencies may not be able to take phone calls.

3. Professional Resources for Breastfeeding in Emergencies
   • From the American Academy of Pediatrics, a two-page flyer Infant Feeding During a Disaster: Breastfeeding and Other Options: This two-page PDF document outlines steps pediatricians can take to support breastfeeding during a disaster. It explains why human milk is the cleanest, safest food for an infant and also lists the disadvantages of formula use during a disaster. The document lists relactation and the use of donor human milk as possible options during emergencies.
   • Emergency Nutrition Network
   • World Health Organization booklet on Infant Feeding in Emergencies: This is a 47-page PDF format document. You can print it and distribute it.
   • International Lactation Consultant Association’s Position Paper on Infant Feeding in Emergencies
   • The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) fact sheet on feeding babies in emergencies. Also available on the web in Thai, French, and Spanish.
   • The International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) Web site includes several pages about Infant Feeding In Emergencies, including this list of myths about breastfeeding during emergencies.
   • Sample of Brochure for Mothers in Emergencies from Houston, Texas lactation specialists who worked with mothers affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.


4. Other Useful Information
   • The Mamatoto site: Babies are calmer when they are carried. This web site has videos that show how to use common clothing items to make baby carriers and slings.


5. Donate to La Leche League: Help us continue to support mothers and provide education about breastfeeding to those who need our services.