Hurricane & Disaster Safety for Pregnant Women and New Families
Hurricane season can be a very stressful time for all Floridians, but especially for pregnant woman and families with young children. To help reduce your stress, and aid in the preparation for a hurricane, click the links below to learn some helpful tips. The more prepared you are the more comfortable and safe you and your baby will be.
Breastfeeding Saves Lives During a Hurricane
Breastfeeding protects babies from the risks of a contaminated water supply. It provides protection against respiratory illnesses and diarrhea–diseases that can be fatal in populations displaced by disaster.
The basics of breastfeeding during an emergency are much the same as they are in normal times. Continuing to breastfeed whenever the baby seems hungry maintains a mother’s milk supply and provides familiar comfort. The release of hormones while a mother is breastfeeding relieves stress and anxiety and is calming to both mother and baby.
For more information on breastfeeding during an emergency, check out this page on the La Leche League Web site at www.lalecheleague.org/emergency.html
Helpful Hand-outs:
Hurricane Tips for Pregnant Women:
Hurricane tips for Pregnant Women
Hurricane Tips for Moms with Babies
Hurricane tips for Mother with a Baby
Disaster Shelter Planning for Pregnant Women and Infants
Disaster Shelter Planning for Preg Women and Infants
Infant Feeding for Disasters
