The Importance of Breastfeeding and Barriers of Breastfeeding Practices in Disasters
Chapter from the book: Bilgili, N. & Bilgili, A. (eds.) 2024. Academic Research and Evaluations in Health Sciences.

Esra Zehra Biçer Özdemir
Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University
Egemen Ünal
Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University

Synopsis

Natural disasters can have adverse effects on infant nutrition and breastfeeding. Post-disaster challenges, such as infrastructure damage, disruptions in healthcare services, and limitations in food supply, can negatively impact the breastfeeding experience of infants reliant on breast milk. Similarly, disasters and post-disaster conditions can lead to issues in breastfeeding mothers' physical and mental health, causing problems in breast milk supply. Breastfeeding provides health benefits for both infants and mothers, strengthening infants' immune systems and aiding in the prevention of diseases such as diarrhea. However, during disasters, breastfeeding practices may encounter various challenges. These challenges include environmental factors, psychological traumas, insufficient breast milk supply, and difficulties in accessing hygiene and care materials. Therefore, understanding the factors influencing breastfeeding practices in populations residing in disaster-prone regions is crucial. Breast milk holds critical importance for the health and survival of infants, serving as a vital source of nutrition and protection against infections even in disaster conditions. The main goal of this study is to understand the importance of breastfeeding and the impact of natural disasters on breastfeeding practices, address the challenges that arise in this context, and provide guidance for disaster preparedness policies in future emergencies.

How to cite this book

Biçer Özdemir, E. Z. & Ünal, E. (2024). The Importance of Breastfeeding and Barriers of Breastfeeding Practices in Disasters. In: Bilgili, N. & Bilgili, A. (eds.), Academic Research and Evaluations in Health Sciences. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub431.c1885

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Published

March 27, 2024

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