What’s the Right Way to Feed and Protect Babies in a Humanitarian Crisis?

by Alanna Shaikh · 2009-04-14 10:20:00 UTC
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(photo credit: myllissa)

The use of breastmilk substitutes should be closely controlled. They should be provided through medical professionals. Formula or bottles should never be provided as a part of baby or family kits. Breastmilk substitutes should only be provided when the mother is dead, incapacitated, or unavoidably absent and no other lactating woman is available to nurse the child or if the child was solely artificially fed before the start of the emergency.

When used, breastmilk substitutes should be made as safe as possible. They should be provided along with access to safe water for mixing formula and cleaning cups. Bottles and nipples should not be distributed; babies should be fed using a cup. Any infant who is chosen for formula distribution should receive a supply of formula until six months of age. The formula distributed must me nutritionally adequate, and labeled in a local language.  Only unbranded baby formula should be distributed. Powdered milk should not be distributed as part of family food supplies unless it is pre-mixed with some other food stuff.

Women should be supported in breastfeeding. In camps for displaced persons, private, comfortable lactation spaces should be provided. If possible, these spaces should be staffed with personnel trained in breastfeeding support, or peer counselors experienced in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can actually help mothers cope with the stress of displacement and risk because it suppresses the release of stress hormones and encourages physical contact between mother and baby. Lactating mothers should receive adequate food and water rations to support lactation.

Alanna Shaikh
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