Breast Milk: A Natural “Vaccine” in Emergency Situations
Breast milk is the most effective and readily available source of protection for infants facing the heightened risks of emergency situations, such as natural disasters and conflict. A leading neonatologist warns that ensuring continued breastfeeding is paramount when traditional support systems are disrupted and infant safety is compromised.
The Unparalleled Benefits of Breast Milk
“Breast milk is clean, it does not have to be manipulated, and we do not need absolutely anything to prepare it,” explained Eunice Lample, a neonatologist and coordinator in Venezuela for the International Network of Food Action (Ibfan). “The critical need in an emergency is to support mothers so they can continue to breastfeed.” This support is vital because breast milk provides not only essential hydration but also crucial immunological factors that protect infants from disease.
Ibfan, established in 1979 following the approval of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk, operates on five continents and provides guidance to organizations like UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). The network’s work underscores the global recognition of breastfeeding as a cornerstone of infant health, particularly during times of crisis.
Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies
Pediatricians emphasize that emergencies – whether caused by floods, droughts, earthquakes, or war – disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including women, children, older adults, and people with disabilities. For infants, the risks are particularly acute. Lample insists that “breast milk saves lives in emergency situations,” while infant formula presents significant dangers due to concerns about safety and preparation.
According to data released by the WHO in August of last year, exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants under six months have increased by over 10% globally in the past 12 years. However, the organization also reports that 4.5 billion people – more than half the world’s population – still lack access to comprehensive essential health services, leaving many mothers without the support needed for optimal breastfeeding.
The Dangers of Formula in Crisis Situations
Lample cautions against the use and donation of infant formula during emergencies, arguing that it can cause more harm than good. Formula requires careful preparation, including access to clean water, which is often scarce or compromised in disaster zones. “We see with a lot of pain how in these emergency situations, inadequate water is used to prepare food for babies, and then we see how children begin to get sick in an exponential way,” she stated.
The rapid spread of diarrheal diseases, such as Escherichia Coli, is a common consequence of unsafe formula preparation. Lample illustrated the speed of transmission, noting that a single case of diarrhea could escalate to 20 within hours in a shelter environment. The administration of formula, she stresses, must be strictly controlled and cannot be done haphazardly.
Donations of formula, if deemed necessary, should be coordinated through official channels, including the Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Nutrition, organizations specializing in child nutrition, or international agencies. In Venezuela, the Nutrition Cluster, in collaboration with UNICEF, has developed guidelines for handling formula during emergencies and disasters.
Breast Milk: A “Living Food”
Lample describes breast milk as a “living food,” rich in immunoproteins, immunoglobulins, and essential nutrients like fat, protein, lactose, and lactoferrin. It possesses antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, protecting infants from inflammatory and infectious processes. “There is nothing like breast milk to maintain survival and maintain optimal health in babies,” she affirmed.
Even when mothers are malnourished, breastfeeding should continue, supplemented with nutritional support for the mother. While malnutrition may reduce the fat content of breast milk, the protein remains highly bioavailable and of excellent quality. The most crucial factor, Lample emphasizes, is providing mothers with the support they need to sustain breastfeeding.
Venezuela’s Ministry of Health operates a national breastfeeding program, supported by the National Institute of Nutrition, with trained personnel available in all regions of the country. “What we have to do is make ourselves present and support what is happening,” Lample concluded, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts to protect infant health during times of crisis.
