
Breastfeeding in Disaster Conditions: Obstacles and Solutions
Chapter from the book:
Şimşek Küçükkelepçe,
D.
&
Nacar,
G.
(eds.)
2025.
Perinatal Period in Disasters: Challenges and Management Approaches.
Synopsis
Disasters are sudden and devastating events that deeply affect the lives of individuals and societies. During these processes, difficulties in meeting basic psychological, physical and social needs can lead to serious health problems, especially for vulnerable groups. Mothers and babies are at the forefront of these vulnerable groups. In disaster conditions, access to breast milk, the safest, most nutritious and protective food for babies, is of critical importance for them to continue their lives in a healthy way. International health organizations accept the promotion and support of breastfeeding in disaster situations as a priority intervention to protect infant health. However, the continuation of breastfeeding in disaster environments can be disrupted due to many physical, psychosocial and structural obstacles. However, it is of great importance to evaluate breastfeeding as a survival strategy, especially in such crisis situations. In this context, in the development of strategies to protect maternal and infant health in disaster conditions, integrating breastfeeding support into disaster management plans is a vital step to ensure the health of infants in times of crisis.