Breastfeeding And Emergency Preparation
Preparing your family for a potential disaster situation, whether it is natural or man-made, is always important. The September 11 tragedy and its implications bring this concern uncomfortably close to home. Our fears are not unfounded. Though it’s impractical to attempt preparation for every possibility, it’s a good idea to take some basic precautions in the event that our normal way of life is disrupted. One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a possible emergency situation is to breastfeed!
The term “breastfeed is best” never took on so much significance as it does in the event of an emergency. For one thing, a breastfed baby is virtually guaranteed a source of complete nourishment, even if food and water are scarce. Mothers who feed formula can stock up supplies in advance, but this is problematic. If we aren’t sure of the safety of the water supply, we must rely on bottled water or pre-mixed formula, which takes up a lot more space and is quite heavy to carry. And if we should need to evacuate our homes in a hurry, the stock becomes useless.
There is also the need to keep bottles and nipples clean, which may be very difficult, and uses up precious water that could be used for drinking. A breast fed baby’s food source is always sterile, and always available. However, you might want to pack some formula, water, and feeding supplies in your emergency kit as additional insurance.
Breastfed babies have other advantages, too. They receive antibodies through the breast milk, protecting them from many common illnesses and allergies, which is essential when medical care might not be readily available. True, breastfed babies get sick too – but who is to say how much more severe the illness might have been otherwise? If the quality of the water is suspect, the mother acts as a filter for the baby. An organism in the water that might cause an adult mild intestinal distress could be life-threatening to a baby.
Babies aren’t the only ones to benefit from breastfeeding. The act of breastfeeding generates hormones in the mother that promote a feeling of calmness, comforting her and giving her strength to deal with stress and fear. Breast milk has antibacterial properties, so it can be used as an eyewash, or in a pinch can even be used as a topical antiseptic for superficial wounds and rashes.
In a disaster, breastfeeding mothers also have an important gift for others. Consider the possibility that the supply route may be disrupted; formula might not be available. If you have a battery operated breast pump, pack extra batteries for it in your emergency kit. Supply will rise to meet the demand, and you might save the life of another baby besides your own!
Weaning a baby is almost always a one-way street; once you stop nursing, you can’t go back – at least not without a great deal of hard work. The decision to nurse your baby isn’t always a matter of convenience. In a disaster situation, it could very well be a matter of life and death for your child. And at the very least, it will certainly make coping with the situation easier and provide one less thing to worry about.
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