Breastfeeding Likely to Have Played Key Role

BREASTFEEDING LIKELY TO HAVE PLAYED KEY ROLE IN PROTECTING HAVELOCK NORTH BABIES

Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to prevent illness in young children, and becomes even more critical in an emergency says New Zealand Breastfeeding Alliance (NZBA) executive officer Julie Stufkens.

In the wake of the water-borne stomach bug outbreak in Havelock North, Stufkens says babies who were breastfed during the epidemic were more protected. Campylobacter, the bug causing the bacterial illness, cannot be transmitted through breastmilk.

“Research shows that young children are the most vulnerable to illness and infection due to undeveloped immunity and dehydration concerns,” says Stufkens.

“Wherever possible breastfeeding is the safest way to feed your baby in an emergency, protecting them from dangerous water-borne illnesses like what we have seen recently in Havelock North.

“Breastmilk is readily available, at the right temperature and is protective against diseases, particuarly diarrhea and respiratory infections, due to specific antibodies and nutrients. In some emergency situations it can even save lifes.”

The American Academy of Paediatrics states that in an emergency, there “may be no clean drinking water, no sterile environment and it may be impossible to ensure cleaning and sterilisation of feeding utensils.

“The cleanest, safest food for an infant is human milk.”

Stufkens says the NZBA appreciates that for some women breastfeeding is not possible.

“In this case extra precautions need to be taken to prevent contamination – ensuring infant formula is prepared correctly using boiled water, and sterilising bottles and teats.”

For further information on breastfeeding in an emergency, please visit the Ministry of Health website: http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/emergency-management/feeding-your-baby-emergency-babies-aged-0-12-months

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