Breastfeeding and Calamities

by Justine C. Tajonera

I just recently read a blog post by Mommy Mec of LATCH (Lactation, Attachment, Training, Counseling, Help) regarding the importance of breastfeeding especially during natural disasters.

Breastfeeding has a lot of benefits, but these are much more emphasized during emergencies. According to a UN News Report on Breastfeeding, babies and small children are particularly at risk for diarrhea, pneumonia and under-nutrition during natural disaters. “The life-saving role [of breastfeeding] during emergencies is firmly supported by evidence and guidance,” WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said in the news report.


Read here also a blog report on the Chinese police officer who became a national and international hero after she breastfed nine infants after an earthquake.

Breastfeeding ensures that a child is getting proper nutrition without the need for sterilized bottles or water. No matter what the situation, breast milk is at the proper temperature, is clean, safe and provides the child with immunological benefits and probiotics. Not only is it good for the child's health, breastfeeding calms down a child and provides him or her a safe haven during such a stressful time.


Let's promote breastfeeding in the Philippines, ensuring our children's health on regular days and most especially, during disasters and natural calamities.


Acknowledging the picture source here. The picture is of heroic Chinese police officer Jiang Xiaojuan breastfeeding an infant who was separated from her parents.