I have been able to get some emergency breastfeeding information to  
my relative who is high up in FEMA.  I have sent him the emergency  
instruction links  from LLLI, Unicef, Ibfan, and Ilca .   I don't  
know when or if it will ever make a difference, but at least ONE Fema  
person knows breastfeeding is important during emergencies and there  
are ways already in place to implement it! I still plan to sit down,  
one on one, with him after this is all over and explain it more.

Question: At what point should information on breastfeeding during  
emergencies be given new mothers - at  shelters,  prenatally, at  
birth - when and  where?  Who should do it?  Heath professionals, Red  
Cross, etc.?There is a pamphlet put out by Red Cross and Fema that  
outlines ways to prepare for a disaster - no mention of  
breastfeeding.  If they would include one sentence, "Breastmilk   
alone can sustain your baby for about the first six months" it might  
make a difference.

I agree that what breastfeeding mothers need most at shelters is a  
quiet, private place where support and information can be given,  
ideally from a lactation consultant! Just a place where they could  
gather and support each other would be SOOO beneficial.

Wet nursing?  Another good option when babies are hungry. Extreme  
circumstances call for extreme measures.

Pam Wiggins, IBCLC
www.breastfeedingbooks.com

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