Breastfeeding even more important for child health and survival during hurricanes, other emergencies

Dr. Miriam Labbok

“Children, especially infants, are extremely vulnerable in emergencies,” said Miriam Labbok, MD, MPH, professor of the practice of public health and director of the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute (CBI) at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and steering committee member of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), the annual sponsor of WBW.

“Breastfeeding, especially early and exclusive breastfeeding, is a lifesaving intervention any time, but especially during emergencies, when caregivers are struggling to cope and infants are so vulnerable to disease and death. As we plan for hurricane season and other emergencies, we need to remember these extra hidden values of breastfeeding and provide active support for mothers in emergencies to continue or re-establish this practice,” Labbok says.

She also notes that, in honor of WBW, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Commission on Children and Disasters announced at a meeting of the United States Breastfeeding Committee that they will update their materials and recommendations on this issue and other issues that impact children in emergencies.

Mothers need and deserve real support to enable breastfeeding at all times, Labbok said. Lack of breastfeeding carries significant and costly health risks for both baby and mother.

During World Breastfeeding Week, the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health is announcing its breastfeeding support services program for employees and students. The program has been evolving over several years, and it is now up and running, ready for everyday use and for any emergency.

CBI research shows that the lack of breastfeeding in North Carolina, especially among African-Americans, increases the likelihood of early infections, diabetes, obesity, breast and other cancers, and early death of premature infants. These conditions are all major issues in North Carolina and across the U.S., Labbok says.

“Mothers who breastfeed also enjoy significant health benefits, including faster recovery from pregnancy and reduced risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis,” she said.

“While about 70 percent of new mothers now breastfeed their infants initially, we have found that few achieve their breastfeeding intentions. Here in North Carolina and throughout the U.S., we need to eliminate the restraints on health services and the social obstacles that prevent mothers from achieving their intentions to offer the best start on life for their children, our future.”

Labbok said she and the leaders of the Gillings School of Global Public Health are proud of efforts to support new mothers at the School.

“This support was originally stimulated by the Department of Maternal and Child Health’s students and faculty,” Labbok said. “Today, our deans and leaders across the UNC campus have shown commitment to providing the healthiest, most family-friendly environment possible for our faculty, staff and students (who are breastfeeding).”

The School’s program includes flexible work options and the availability of a dedicated Mothers’ Room, the first of eight located across the University campus.

“At the [public health] school, mothers may breastfeed in any area where mothers are welcome and where it is deemed safe for babies. They also have the option to enjoy the comfort and privacy of our onsite, designated lactation room if they are expressing milk for later use,” Labbok said.

International breastfeeding logo

The room, identifiable by the international breastfeeding logo posted on the door, includes a refrigerator for milk storage, an electric breast pump, and printed information about breastfeeding and about health professionals and community support groups who can assist with questions and concerns. The School publicizes the lactation room in emailed Schoolwide announcements, on its website, and on screens at main entrances to the buildings.

In addition, a School-initiated group at UNC, BEBES (Breastfeeding: Evidence-Based Education and Support), provides information about the health risks of formula feeding and the importance of breastfeeding in the reproductive health continuum, Labbok said. Anyone interested in more information about the organization may contact Rebecca Costello at rcostello@gmail.com.

“The School is committed to reviewing human resources’ policies and educating supervisors about the needs of lactating women to ensure optimal breastfeeding support to our faculty, staff and students,” Labbok said.

For more information, visit the websites of the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute and World Breastfeeding Week.

Note: Labbok can be reached at (919) 966-0928, (917) 446-5283 or labbok@email.unc.edu.

UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health contact: Ramona DuBose, director of communications, (919) 966-7467 or ramona_dubose@unc.edu.