Supporting Optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergency Shelter Settings

• 2024

  Sign in to bookmark this resource.

  Sign in

---

Access Resources

• SummaryEN
• Ask aRCie About This Resource

About

This webpage provides guidance for emergency shelter staff on supporting infant and young child feeding during natural disasters. It describes the importance of health equity, cultural awareness, and community lactation resources. Shelters should offer safe spaces for breastfeeding, store breast milk properly, and prioritize pregnant and breastfeeding women. It emphasizes using ready-to-feed formula when possible and avoiding powdered formula donations. Staff should conduct needs assessments to identify families needing support while encouraging breastfeeding as a safe option during emergencies. The document also highlights mental health monitoring and connecting families to long-term programs like WIC for continued support.

---

Tags

Focus Areas: Everyday Emergency; Natural Disasters

Audiences: Nurses; Physicians

Emergency Management Stages: Response; Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Keywords: Bottle Feeding; Breast Feeding; Disaster Planning; Feeding Methods; Health Personnel; Infant, Newborn; Mothers; Pregnant Women; Emergency Shelter; Health Equity

Institutions: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

---

More like this

When It's Time To Leave: Summary of California Mass Evacuation Laws 2017 · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Reunification with Children After a Disaster or Emergency 2024 · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immigrant and Refugee Health: Refugee Health Domestic Guidance 2024 · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

---

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

---