©UNICEF Indonesia/2009/Djuhari

 
In the first hours, days and weeks following the earthquake on 30 September, UNICEF Indonesia engaged in an intensive campaign to encourage mothers to continue to breast feed their infants. In an emergency situation, it is almost always most beneficial for infants to continue to be breast-fed rather than to receive breast milk substitutes. The often well intended provision of such substitutes for children in emergency situations can have a number of serious deleterious effects. In particular, they can result in serious illnesses, particularly diarrhoea.  In disasters, given the likelihood of poorer environmental conditions such as the lower availability of safe water, it is crucial for mothers to continue breastfeeding their children instead of resorting to formula milk. A day after the earthquake, UNICEF distributed around 100 toolkits on Infant Feeding in Emergencies to humanitarian communities and local authorities.  This toolkit was used by Muhammadiyah, Indonesia’s second biggest Muslim organization, which had sent their volunteers to distribute aid in a remote village in Agam District.

When these volunteers approached Desi Fitria, an 8-month pregnant woman, she expressed her apprehension about delivering her baby at the end of October.

“The health centre I used to go to is completely destroyed. I may have to go to the one about two hours away,” she said. She listened attentively to advice on how breastfeeding in the first hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding in the first six month would give her baby the best antibodies and nutrition.

“It is so much easier to breastfeed. I don’t have to worry about boiling water and cleaning cups, teats or bottles from there,” she said pointing to a lake, which she and others at a temporary shelter are using as a water source.