When Natural Disasters Strike, Breastfeeding Matters

Earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, fires. Recent years have seen their share of natural disasters and emergencies which will only continue to occur with the passing of time. Even now, a State of Emergency has been declared for Hurricane Matthew, and heightened seismic activity at the Salton Sea has prompted scientists to warn of the elevated risk for “The Big One” at San Andreas fault.

Disasters and emergencies, while incredibly devastating, invoke a sense of camaraderie as people from all walks of life and differing backgrounds join together to help; to donate. While the intention is good, the protocol of infant feeding during natural disasters in particular needs dire improvement. This problem springboards from the lack of education on the importance of breastfeeding as a whole.

Residents wait in line at the Superdome for shelter
during Hurricane Katrina. Image source: chron.com

Major health and aid agencies have come to a general consensus on how infant feeding issues should be addressed during disasters. They agree that the use of formula should only occur when mothers have weaned and relactation is not possible, or when the baby has lost its mother and wet nursing is not an option. They agree that ongoing support and assistance is necessary in such a case to limit the risks associated with artificial feeding, and that the distribution of breastmilk substitutes should be tightly controlled, carefully monitored and only provided to babies with a clear need.  

UNICEF, WHO, and the International Red Cross are active in alerting non-government organizations of the need to support breastfeeding and to be extremely careful in the distribution of breastmilk substitutes. Despite their efforts, and despite these guidelines, infant formula and bottles continue to be distributed unnecessarily during disaster situations.

During emergency situations, the cleanest, safest food is human milk.

Myth: Mothers who are under stress cannot breastfeed. Fact: Mothers will continue to lactate in times of stress but will need adequate support.

Myth: If a mother is malnourished, she either cannot breastfeed or the milk she produces is poor quality. Fact: Malnourished mothers or mothers with illnesses CAN provide healthy and safe milk for their babies.

The Problem with Formula Donations During Emergencies

One of the biggest tragedies during Hurricane Katrina was that almost no breastfeeding mothers were found. One-third of Louisiana’s population was displaced, which was about 1,300,000 people, and more than 100,000 evacuees remained in shelters more than one month later.

The distribution of formula and bottles by aid workers during this time disregarded the importance of clean water and utensils to make feeding infants possible and safe, and the more time that passed, the higher the risks for infant mortality continued to climb.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, in any given emergency, clean drinking water and a sterile environment may be inaccessible. Even in a potentially less catastrophic emergency, such as being trapped in gridlock for several hours, access to water to make formula as well as the ability to clean and sterilize bottles or feeding utensils is not possible. Infants need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours. When disaster strikes, reality hits, and panic can ensue.

The WHO states that artificially fed babies have a 1300 percent increased risk of death from diarrhoeal disease as compared to babies that are breastfed. The WHO adds that babies who are artificially fed are inherently more vulnerable to disease because they do not receive the disease-fighting antibodies that are in breastmilk.

“In past emergencies, 12–75% of all babies have died, so any factor that increases disease transmission and reduces the ability of babies to withstand disease may well result in their death.” - World Health Organization

At the time of Hurricane Katrina, information was not readily available to support optimal infant nutrition; rescue workers were not trained in breastfeeding support and management. Overall, the distribution of formula discouraged breastfeeding, decreased mothers’ confidence, and increased the risk of infection, illness, and death.

The Clear Advantages of Breastfeeding During an Emergency Provides comfort and relieves maternal anxiety Protects against infectious diseases Readily available Nutritionally perfect Perfect temperature Fights Illness

The Disadvantages of Formula-Feeding During an Emergency It may not be readily available May become contaminated Water mixed with powdered formula may be contaminated There may be no means of refrigeration to preserve it There may be no method to sterilize feeding utensils

While some strides have been made to educate about the importance of breastfeeding during disasters, the lack of normalcy is still present in our society and more efforts should be made to instill it in mothers, aid workers, and government agencies collectively. Milksharing or local donations of expressed milk should be a mainstream option to feed infants in dire cases.

Future natural disasters are inevitable and will continue to have a devastating effect on the economy and well-being of families. Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding during these natural disasters will help prevent long-term health and developmental problems that may occur as a result of alternative feeding methods. Encouraging breastfeeding will also lessen the economic blow, as the overall cost of the disaster is significantly reduced for both the families and societies affected. It is an investment that will pay for itself in more ways than one, several times over.

Contributing author: Samantha Johnson is a freelance writer, blogger, wife, and breastfeeding mom. Her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from California Baptist University has led to more than six years of full-time writing experience and countless exciting opportunities. Aside from writing, her passions include drawing, painting, iced coffee, reaching her goals, balancing life's priorities, and encouraging others. You can visit her blog at unlazylike.wordpress.com.

Breasts Plan to Breastfeed--Don't Let Them Down

I think advocates have exhausted the mantra that human milk is best for human babies, but breastfeeding does not exclusively benefit baby. I believe Mom is often left out of the equation. In fact, if breastfeeding were only about the baby's nutritional needs, than perhaps someday there could be an adequate substitute--but it isn't.

Approximately sixteen weeks into pregnancy, a mom is notified via tender mammary glands, that she is, indeed, expecting. Her body is starting the preparation for future breastfeeding. An amazing, complex factory has commenced production of cells, aveoli, ductile work and Montgomery glands. There is even an increase in the pigmentation around the areola to create an obvious target for the baby once he arrives--make no mistake, the breasts are planning on breastfeeding.

Milk Synthesis explained 
http://www.thevisualmd.com/videos/result/milk_synthesis_pathway

The attention given to every detail is absolutely mind boggling. The stage is set in precise detail. The breasts have prepared for breastfeeding like an athlete prepares for the Olympics. They are focused on their one job, and poised to perform. Imagine the disappointment when they are "letdown" postpartum. They never get to realize their full potential. Who is speaking up for the rights of the ta-tas? They have painstakingly prepared for this precise moment for nine consecutive months. Not only is is disappointing, it also poses serious health risks. Just like atrophy sets in when muscles cease to do what they were designed for, abandoning breastfeeding creates serious complications as well.

What happens when breasts are told, "You're Fired!" and are not chosen to fill the primary feeding position? Well, it isn't pretty.

Following birth, Mom's uterus is in need of some serious repair. The best way to return this muscle to it's pre-pregnancy shape is to contract the muscle--a phenomenon that is executed through breastfeeding. This is the most effective way to strengthen the muscle and reduce blood loss. Moms should plan on breastfeeding for a thorough workout, after all, they cannot walk into a 24 Hour Fitness and use the "uterus machine" to tone up.

Recovery continues as the baby continues to breastfeed. Mom may experience significant weight-loss as she burns more calories breastfeeding. The benefits do not stop when baby weans, they continue for a lifetime.

It is as though Baby says, "Mom, I need you to be around a very long time. I need your lap to sit on and your hand to hold...I need your advice when I'm a teen and in my adult years...I need your hugs on birthdays and every morning...I need your kisses on my scraped knee and broken heart...I need you at my wedding and at childbirth...I need you to be the grandmother to my children; and here's how I will make that happen--breastfeed me."

If Mom chooses to breastfeed, Baby will protect her from many immediate and future ailments. Breastfeeding moms experience a reduction in breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding also lowers the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Breastfeeding moms profit from the hormone Oxytocin, which helps to stabilize moods.

I hope we are encouraging women to listen to their bodies and listen to their babies. They should be entitled to receive all the advantages and bonding associated with breastfeeding. I know not everyone has the opportunity or freedom to select breastfeeding and they must rely on milk donations, supplements or a combination of both. I sympathize with them and understand their plight personally, but still want to convey for those who can, that they (not only their offspring) will reap the rewards.

Order your copy of the poster above http://www.birthingandbreastfeeding.com/store.html

Breastfeeding is a relationship. A bond between Mother and Baby. A beautiful contract to support each other in health and well-being. Maybe breastfeeding and mothering isn't a thankless job after-all, maybe we just aren't making moms aware that their baby has a tremendous gift they want to give, but only by breastfeeding can it be received. Let's commit to empower moms and enable them to accept this life-giving gift.

Infant Physiology and Milk Transfer

This topic is too broad to be thoroughly addressed in a blog, but I can definitely comment on the area and encourage those in the learning mode to continue to examine this very important discipline.  

Ascertaining that the infant actually breast feeds is very crucial to the role of the Lactation Consultant.  It sounds pretty elementary, but it is amazing how many infants wind up with jaundice or failure to thrive due to mismanagement of breastfeeding.  It's not actually breastfeeding that is the problem in most of these cases, but starvation.

When a mom delivers, she has a wonderful synergy of hormones that are adjusted perfectly for bonding and breastfeeding.  The two hormones that are present for only a short time are oxytocin and estrogen--a combination that assists in bonding (Uvnas-Moberg, The Oxytocin Factor, 2005).  While pregnant, the mother has progesterone which inhibited milk production, but with delivery, a  radical withdraw of progesterone and estrogen gave way to high levels of prolactin which enabled milk production (this is another reason to have a mom examined for retained placenta if she does not enter lactogenesis II and has heavy bleeding beyond the 3-4 day).  

The prolactin is the milk producing hormone, but nipple stimulation releases oxytocin which is the milk ejection hormone.  Oxytocin is often referred to as the "love hormone" since it is elicited through stimulation.  Initially, stimulation is necessary to release the milk, but over time, stimulation is less relied on.   If we allow Baby to turn oxytocin on (baby led attachment)  The following timeline is observed: (Matthiesen, Birth, 2001)

Minutes:

  6:  Baby opens eyes

11:  Massages breast

12:  Hand to mouth

21:  Rooting

25:  Moistened hand to breast

        Nipple becomes erect

27:  Tongue stretches & licks nipple

80:  Breastfeeding

Other hormones necessary for the production of breast milk include: insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone-related protein, and human growth hormone.

Once the hormonal process is well underway, we must turn our attention to the act of breastfeeding. Milk transfer is necessary to feed the baby and to ensure mom continues to make milk. If baby is unable to empty the breast, mom should be encouraged to hand express to finish the process. If the breast is not emptied, it is in jeopardy of slowing production. A full breast not only will not make more milk, it can even inhibit milk production (this is a good time to refresh your memory on the FIL or feedback inhibitors of lactation). 

Often babies will self-latch and feed within a few hours after delivery. Medications and interventions can alter the schedule, but ideally a mom and infant left together to bond will have a successful time breastfeeding (remember the laid-back technique for easy and biological breastfeeding).

Measuring milk transfer can be as easy as noting the babies behavior. Is baby having 1 wet diaper on day 1 (24-hour period), 2 on day 2, 3 on day 3...6-8 on day 6 and beyond? That is one indicator of milk transfer.
The scale is also a good tool to use (especially for the premature infant). Pre and post test weights can assure milk transfer has occurred.

The infant test-weighing procedure should be performed using an electronic digital infant scale with accuracy to at least 2 grams. The infant is weighed clothed pre- and postfeeding without changing the diaper between weight measurements. The prefeed weight is subtracted from the postfeed weight, and the difference represents the volume of milk consumed, where 1 gram of weight is equivalent to 1 mL of milk intake. Milk is slightly denser than water, so in theory this calculation overestimates the test weight results, which is countered by insensible water loss during feeding.

Milk transfer is an area of concern and we must make sure early on that the infant is being fed. Know signs and symptoms of dehydration and make sure early follow-up appointments are kept. Unfortunately, I have to say, many lactation consultants, including myself, have witnessed mismanagement of feeding to a point of readmission to the hospital. Let's educate parents and keep our eyes open to possible warning signs.

For more detailed description of oxytocin and prolactin visit http://www.breastfeedingbasics.org/cgi-bin/deliver.cgi/content/Anatomy/physiology.html

For visible cues of milk transfer, visit http://www.letsbreastfeed.com/research/visible-cues-of-poor-milk-transfer/

Breast Anatomy and Physiology

Breast anatomy should be very familiar to anyone sitting for the Exam.  Not only is it crucial to understanding lactation, but it is also good testing ground for the IBLCE board since anatomy is the same internationally.  Although breastfeeding requires breasts and they have been used throughout the ages, breast anatomy is remarkably understudied (well, by the scientific audience, I should say).  I am amazed at the history of how we originally learned, evaluated and understood the mammary gland.  In case some of you haven't heard the lecture on the breast anatomy's history, I'll give a quick synopsis.  Medical professionals, biology students, lactation experts--all based all their information, decisions and future studies based on breast anatomy research that occurred over 160 years ago.  


Sir Astley Paston Cooper, M.D., FRCS, Bart., (1768-1841) published his findings in On the Anatomy of the Breast in 1840, just before his death.  This publication demonstrated Cooper's mastery of breast anatomy through outstanding illustrations. His findings were never collaborated or even verified by additional trials.  His pictures were widely circulated.  Unfortunately, these early illustrations showed some findings that were later proven false.  The discrepancies were created by the procedure Cooper used to trace the ducts that terminated at the nipple.  He laid out the breast from a cadaver in a asymmetrical way to best suit his study (one reason it is not accurate). Next, he injected dye into each nipple opening to better understand the labyrinth of ducts in the breast.  The initial injection caused a bubble to form when the pressure first entered the breast.  The best way for me to describe this is when a long balloon for making animals is blown up, the first big breath creates a bubble at the front of the balloon before filling the rest of it with air.  A similar phenomenon occurred with the dye in the breast. A bolus of dye created a "bubble" which were named "lactiferous sinuses."  


Finally, in 2006, Peter Hartman began anatomy studies that used ultrasound to trace milk ducts.  From this recent study the earlier depictions of breast anatomy were proven inaccurate.  
The point needs to be made that anyone who has had their anatomy training between 1840 and 2006 needs a refresher course.  A link to a journal of the breast's history and current research is http://www.breastbabyproducts.com/pdf/11_inside_lactating_breast.pdf . This journal article can be printed and shared.  Medela also has free illustrations of the old and new anatomy on their website http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/for-professionals/cbe-information/106/breast-anatomy-research.  


There still needs to be much more research on lactation, physiology of lactation and anatomy of the breast.  I am constantly amazed that so little has been done to study the number one way to sustain the life of a child...hope someone gets motivated to tackle this huge project.  In the meantime, take this quick study module as a refresher on anatomy http://www.breastfeedingbasics.org/cgi-bin/deliver.cgi/content/Anatomy/index.html.  The site has some other beneficial modules as well.  Hope this quick blog gets the mind thinking.  I know this is just a jumping off point.  I would also recommend reviewing the hormones that aid in lactation and do a "Google search" on "the lactating breast."  Just check the date on your research...prior to 2006, the research may have been based on faulty findings.


Lactation information, theories and protocols are changing all the time...keep "abreast" of what's new in the field!