Immediate Release
July 21, 2009
Little Rock -- House fires, floods, tornados, acts of terrorism and loss of jobs in the economic crisis are all emergencies that Arkansas families could experience at any time. This year the theme for World Breastfeeding Week is Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response. Are You Ready? The focus is on the importance of supporting breastfeeding before, during, and after an emergency happens. This worldwide annual celebration occurs August 1-7.
Breastfeeding can be life saving for babies in a crisis situation. Through breastfeeding, mothers can provide a clean, safe, sustainable food and water supply that actively protects babies from infections. Breast milk and breastfeeding are:
- Free and always available in unlimited supplies
- Sanitary and full of antibodies that help fight infections and disease
- Always fresh and warm right from the mother
- Calming for babies, especially in stressful situations
Emergency assistance often gives priority to the provision of goods while neglecting the support that protects breastfeeding. Ensuring that breastfeeding mothers have priority access to food, water, shelter and if necessary, a more private area to breastfeed will best support the mother and her baby. Access to skilled breastfeeding assistance and resources, when needed, provides further support to protect and maintain breastfeeding.
Supporting breastfeeding in non-emergency settings will strengthen a mother’s ability to cope in an emergency. Having a plan of support in place before an emergency occurs is essential. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can be a resource to help the community develop an emergency plan.
For more information about breastfeeding, call the Arkansas Department of Health WIC Breastfeeding Help-line at 1-800-445-6175 or visit the WIC breastfeeding website at: www.healthyarkansas.com/breastfeeding.
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