In an Emergency, a Mother’s Own Breastmilk is the Cleanest and Safest Food She Can Give Her Baby

Ministry of Health

For: Aid workers, Health Workers

Breastfeeding is the first and best feeding option for infants

The Ministry of Health, UNICEF and WHO recommendation that mothers should

exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first 6 months of life.

This means that the babies should not get any other milks, foods or liquids, not even sips of water. After 6 months breast milk alone is not enough. Babies need to gradually start eating a variety of foods to continue growing well. Breast milk continues to be an important part of the diet until the baby is at least 2 years.

HIV-positive mothers

Mothers who are HIV positive should be referred to a health worker for appropriate support and counseling on infant feeding options, such as safer breastfeeding or the use of other suitable milks.

FACTS

MALNOURISHED MOTHERS CAN BREASTFEED

Except in very extreme cases, malnourished women continue to make milk and can breastfeed their babies successfully.

BREASTFEEDING SAVES LIVES

Babies’ lives are saved every day by mothers who breastfeed them in spite of war and natural disasters.

DONATIONS OF INFANT FORMULA DURING EMERGENCIES SHOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED

Donations of infant formula during emergencies are prohibited. The best way to assist all babies is to support breastfeeding and to seek professional advice to manage the few exceptional cases of those who may not be able to breastfeed. 1

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Guidelines on Infant Feeding in Emergencies

In an emergency, mothers should continue breastfeeding since breastmilk is the cleanest and safest food she can give her baby Women breastfeeding their babies should be actively supported by being given appropriate information, assistance and encouragement to continue breastfeeding, especially if they are experiencing difficulties. Mothers who have stopped breastfeeding, should be encouraged and provided with assistance to start breastfeeding again (i.e. to re-lactate). Only in instances where a baby cannot receive breastmilk, for example when the baby has been orphaned, should alternative feeding options be supported. Donated (free) or subsidized supplies of breastmilk substitutes (e.g. infant formula) should be avoided. The decision to accept, procure, use or distribute infant formula in an emergency should be made by informed, technical personnel in consultation with the coordinating and lead technical agencies. Breastmilk substitutes and other milk products should only be distributed according to recognized strict criteria and only provided to mothers or caregivers for those infants who need them. Donations of bottles and teats should be refused in emergency situations. Breastmilk substitutes, other milk products, bottles and teats must never be included in a general ration distribution. The use of bottles and teats in emergency contexts should be actively avoided and discouraged. CUP FEEDING should be encouraged instead.

Ministry of Health

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