Just an update for a minute. I cannot respond to emails or posts currently. I
am working 20 hrs or more a day at a shelter for our flood victims. It is
unbelievable the widespread devestation. People are still being rescued and
the water in some areas still is rising. To see people who have been waken at
night in their pajamas, and who had to rush out to be airlifted to safety in
helicopters or boats, without a single item of personal belonging is so
horrible. Children without their favorite toys, moms without the pictures,
baby books, special Christmas ornaments, etc. Donations are pouring in but it
took the Red Cross 5 days to arrive. The community support and donations are
wonderful. Occasionally I cry but usually I am going full blast, doing
whatever needs to be done to get them settled and safe.  I do have one mom
who is Bfing but the rest are formula feeding. I did impliment a policy that
all formula has to be given out by the nursing staff , and bottles mixed in
the health center so the bottles can be cleaned there. Also only one bottle
at a time to ensure safety. Some moms were upset at this but we are in a
school and I explained that they can't really clean the bottles in a school
bathroom and there is no place to store prepared bottles. I also put a ban on
putting fruit flavored beverages or soda in bottles. If the moms want to do
this I hand her the bottle ( after cleaning ) and she has to get the drink
and do it away from the health center. I also have trained the volunteer in
the safe handling of formula etc. I have done some health education talks
about bottles for older children, cavities ( risks of) etc. I also have
talked with some moms about "next time" and learning more about bfing. I bet
they don't get bfing talks at other shelters. We were having a terrible time
finding enough formula at first but today it is rally piling up. The TV is
asking for it.
Please continue to pray for us, and if interested in helping, the Red Cross
and/or United Way of NC can help guide you.

Barbara Whitehead, IBCLC

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