From zero-two years old, children are in their most vulnerable period of life and special care needs to be taken of their hydration and nutrition, especially during the extra stress of a refugee crisis.
Concerns with Distribution of Formula
During an emergency, often organisations receive large amounts of donated infant formulas. This can have unintended negative consequences of discouraging breastfeeding.
It is very important to support and encourage mothers that are still breastfeeding to continue to do so during the emergency, and not to switch to formulas just because of temporary availability.
Dependency on formulas, requires access to clean, safe water, sterilisation of bottles etc. Breastfeeding is not only safer from a hygenic point of view, but offers a more complete nutrition and greater emotional benefits of bonding and comfort for both mother and child. Once a mother switches to formula and stops producing breastmilk, she will need to have the means to continue to buy more once donated supplies finish.
If involved in distribution of goods to parents with children, ensure that mothers are not still breastfeeding before offering donated breastmilk substitute products.
Common Myths
- Stress makes the milk dry up
- Mothers that are not able to eat well can’t breastfeed their babies
- Breastfeeding needs to be supplemented with formula in crisis situations so the baby gets enough nutrients
- Babies with diarrhoea need water or tea
- Once breastfeeding has stopped it cannot be resumed