Bomb Cyclone?

If you live in the Northeast or even the Eastern United States, you just experienced, what was described as a “bomb cyclone.” Also known as a far-reaching snow storm.  I don’t want to get political or discuss global warming, but I cannot help to highlight that over the recent years, we have seen an increase in these massive storms and weather patterns that are unusual.  So, whether you believe in global warming or not, you might ask yourself “what does this have to do with breastfeeding?”  Let’s look.
Being from a developed nation, we don’t often think of emergencies or natural disasters occurring in our area, and we wholeheartedly believe that in the event of one, our government would provide for us.  While this may be true in some cases, the aid will not come on the day of the disaster and you will most likely be facing a rough road for, at minimum, a few weeks even with government aid.  Look at what happened in New Orleans, New York, and most recently Puerto Rico.  Many people in these areas did not have power for an extended period, and in the case of Puerto Rico, still don’t.  What about clean water? How about food? How about toilet paper, shampoo, soap, and the list goes on… All of these items and many, many, many more would be troublesome to attain in the event of a natural disaster.
So, what is the one thing that women can make, that’s nutritionally complete, clean, and safe during a natural disaster or emergency?  Breast milk.  I will often hear mom’s say, “my diet is terrible, and I don’t drink enough water, so I can’t possibly breastfeed.”  My response is always the same, “while YOU might feel like garbage because your diet stinks and you don’t drink enough water, your body will continue to make the PERFECT food for your baby.”  The woman’s body is truly magical, and it will supersede its own needs to meet the needs of its growing child, no matter the age or size.  Therefore, during a natural disaster or emergency this is a life-saving substance.  It is nutritionally perfect for your child or children, it’s always the right temperature (which helps the child to regulate their own temperature), it contains antibodies which help to protect from diarrhea or other common illnesses that occur, and the act of breastfeeding reduces both maternal and child stress levels. It’s a no-brainer for me!
On the contrast, formula fed children may face many difficulties in the event of an emergency.  First, you may be unable to find any.  The stores will be closed, and if they do have it, it’s probably sold out.  Secondly, powdered formula can easily become contaminated if it not prepared correctly, unclean water is used and/or refrigeration is not available.  Finally, even though there are many more disadvantages to formula use during an emergency, your child does not receive the protection from disease when they drink formula like they do when they drink breast milk.  So, although I do believe formula has a time and place for use, for medical reasons, it should not be the first choice of feeding method during a natural disaster or emergency. 
Finally, while I sincerely hope you and your family never have to experience such an emergency, know that life is unpredictable.  We cannot possibly plan for a hurricane, a snow storm, a tornado, a car accident, a home fire, etc.  We can put the best steps in place to make those times easier. Breastfeeding is one. 
Breastfeeding Facts from the American Academy of Pediatrics on Feeding During an Emergency

1. Mothers can continue to lactate in times of physical and emotional stress but will need support.
2. Malnourished women and women with medical illness can breastfeed.
3. Optimal human milk supply is maintained by infant demand.
4. For some mothers and babies, once breastfeeding is stopped, it may be resumed successfully.
   1. Frequent skin to skin
   2. Supply increases over days to weeks, gradually
   3. Careful assessment of the infant nutrition and hydration status
   4. Full milk supply is better established with a younger infant
   5. Mothers will need encouragement during this entire process

You got this mama!
http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/emergencies
https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Children-and-Disasters/Pages/default.aspx
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