breastfeeding & emergencies

The USBC (United States Breastfeeding Committee) issued a press release yesterday, which reads in part,

UNITED STATES BREASTFEEDING COMMITTEE
URGES SUPPORT OF
BREASTFEEDING IN EMERGENCIES

Washington, DC—As the Southeast prepares for Hurricane Gustav and other potential storms
during hurricane season, the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), a coalition of more than 40 organizations, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and health professional organizations, has issued a call to support breastfeeding mothers in their decision to give their infant the healthiest start in life possible.

USBC Chair Joan Younger Meek, MD, MS, RD, FAAP, FABM, IBCLC, affirms that
breastfeeding is the most important way to protect infants from a host of significant health concerns and is therefore especially critical in emergency situations where safe and sanitary water is not available, transportation is limited, and disease abounds.

According to Meek, this can include measures as simple as providing a safe and private area for women to breastfeed and receive counseling in large shelter environments, and helping women access the support of lactation consultants and other breastfeeding experts in the community. Women who chose not to breastfeed can be helped with "relactation" to bring in milk production, if desired. Both the International Lactation Consultant Association (www.ilca.org) and La Leche League International (www.llli.org) provide knowledgeable support personnel. Physicians from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics can also offer needed assistance to induce or continue lactation.

Just one more reason to support breastfeeding. I'm thinking good thoughts for this storm to lose power and spare NOLA and other areas still on the long road back from Katrina. Blessings to everyone impacted.