• IFE Core Group
• IFE Mandate
• IFE Activities
• Guide for the general public
  • The harsh reality
  • What should happen in emergencies?
  • How does this all look on the ground?
  • Myths that put babies at risk
  • But wouldn't aid agencies and health authorities make sure that babies aren't harmed?
  • What is the scale of the problem?
  • Do YOU want to help?
  • Your feedback
  • Key contacts
  • Further reading and resources
  • Sample letters
• Resource library
• Training and meeting plans
• Networking
• Key contacts
• Translations and adaptations

What should happen in emergencies?

There is agreement amongst the major health and aid agencies on how to help babies survive an emergency.

Step 1

Women breastfeeding their babies and young children should be actively supported. This involves giving them appropriate information, practical assistance and encouragement to continue breastfeeding, especially if they are experiencing difficulties. The World Health Organisation recommendation that mothers should exclusively breastfeed their babies for six months and then continue to breastfeed for up to two years or more also applies in emergency situations. Breastfeeding women should never be given infant formula or powdered milk (one exception is where a mother is re-establishing breastfeeding – see under 3 below for the conditions attached).

Step 2

Mothers who have stopped breastfeeding should be encouraged and provided with assistance to start breastfeeding again (i.e. to relactate). In cases where there are babies whose mothers have died or cannot be located, the option of wet nursing, where another woman breastfeeds the baby, should be explored. In such situations babies may be breastfed by a woman who is already breastfeeding, or a friend or relative may relactate.

Step 3

Only in instances where a baby cannot receive breastmilk, should formula feeding be supported. For example, if a baby has been orphaned and there are no women willing to act as wet nurse or if the mother does not want to relactate. In addition, while undergoing the process of relactation, infant formula may be needed as a supplement. In such circumstances, formula feeding can be life saving but it is essential that assistance is provided to minimise the risk to the baby. Such assistance should include ensuring the carer has access to a constant supply of infant formula and the necessary resources for preparation. It should also include education on preparation and close monitoring of the use of the formula and the health of the baby.

Step 4

Babies continue to be born in emergencies and no matter what country or type of emergency, all mothers should be supported to breastfeed their babies within half an hour of giving birth and encouraged to not give their baby any other food or liquid until they are six months of age. Research has shown that delaying starting breastfeeding or giving babies food or liquid other than breastmilk, significantly increases the chances of babies becoming ill and dying.