During disasters like Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, lactation support providers sometimes turn their offices into disaster relief areas. When that happens, it is essential to align with food pantry guidelines to ensure the safe and appropriate distribution of supplies, including infant formula. Here is a summarized guide based on established food pantry practices and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Guidelines for Breastfeeding Friendly Food Pantries and Disaster Relief Areas
1. General Principles
- Breastfeeding Support First: Ensure families that are successfully breastfeeding receive the necessary support and resources to continue. Distribute formula only to families who specifically request it to avoid undermining breastfeeding efforts.
- Written Policy: Develop and implement a written breastfeeding-friendly policy to guide staff and volunteers on how to support breastfeeding families effectively.
- Safe Formula Distribution: If distributing formula, ensure it is done with careful consideration of the family’s needs, and provide instructions on safe preparation, storage, and feeding practices.
2. Food Pantry Guidelines
- Non-Promotion of Infant Formula: Do not automatically offer formula to families unless requested. Keep infant formula out of direct view to reduce the risk of undermining breastfeeding.
- Formula Safety: Attach clear instructions for safe formula preparation, storage, and feeding to each container. This will ensure that any formula distributed is handled appropriately to avoid health risks for infants.
- Training for Staff: Provide training to staff and volunteers on:
- The importance of breastfeeding.
- How to support breastfeeding families.
- Safe formula distribution practices.
- Welcoming Breastfeeding: Ensure a welcoming environment for breastfeeding families. Display symbols or signs that make it clear breastfeeding is supported throughout the facility, and provide private areas for families who prefer privacy while feeding or expressing milk.
3. WHO Guidelines for Emergencies
- Infant Feeding in Emergencies (IFE): The World Health Organization emphasizes that breastfeeding is a critical aspect of infant health, particularly during emergencies. Support should be prioritized to ensure safe breastfeeding practices.
- Distribution of Supplies: If infant formula must be distributed, it should be done under the supervision of trained personnel to ensure it is given to those in need, and families should be educated on proper formula preparation and storage.
- Minimal Use of Breast Milk Substitutes: Avoid introducing breast milk substitutes unless it is absolutely necessary. WHO’s guidelines highlight that formula should only be used when breastfeeding is not possible or safe.
4. Steps to Implement Policies in a Disaster Relief Setting
- Create a Lactation-Friendly Space: Provide a clean, private, and comfortable space for families to breastfeed or express milk.
- Distribute Breastfeeding Information: Ensure families have access to breastfeeding support resources, including local lactation consultants and community support groups.
- Monitor and Reassess Needs: Regularly assess the needs of families to ensure that supplies and support are meeting the changing circumstances of the disaster-affected area.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Provide resources and support in languages spoken by the families you are serving, ensuring sensitivity to their cultural and dietary needs.
5. Additional Resources
- WHO Guidelines on Infant Feeding: Refer to WHO’s guidelines for more detailed recommendations on infant and young child feeding during emergencies.
- Training Modules: Provide staff with resources on breastfeeding support, such as training on how to guide families in safe infant feeding during disaster relief efforts.
By following these guidelines, lactation support providers can continue to support breastfeeding while distributing necessary supplies safely and respectfully to families with infants. For more on infant feeding in emergencies, visit safeinfantfeeding.org.