The New York Times recently reported that a formula company refused to donate baby food if their formula was not also accepted. In Mexico, relief organizations received inappropriate amounts of infant formula and workers used it to make hot drinks for mothers and older children. At the time of a crisis, women may find themselves alone without husbands or families. They are traumatized physically and emotionally. Fuel, water and food are scarce.
Conditions are unsanitary.
There may be babies with special needs such as premies, ill babies or triplets. Mothers from bottle-feeding cultures may be most at risk especially if humanitarian volunteers have no information about breastfeeding or relactation. In many situations it is wise to encourage mothers to initiate lactation or to relactate. This process could take from three days to many weeks. Mothers who were using mixed breast and bottle-feeding should be encouraged to breastfeed as much as possible.