Thousands of mothers and newborn babies, who were pulled out of the rubble after two major earthquakes in Turkey on February 6, became a beacon of hope for the whole country. The first statement came from the Ministry of Health for babies who could not be fed by being under the rubble for days. So, how should earthquake survivor babies be fed? Should mothers continue to breastfeed their babies? Here is the first statement from the Ministry of Health…
Under the debris of 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes, the epicenter of which is Kahramanmaraş and causing destruction and loss of life in 10 provinces, continues. While the aid activities of state-affiliated organizations AFAD, Kızılay, UMKE and volunteers continue for earthquake victims, the babies who were rescued from the rubble as a result of the hard work of the search and rescue teams are a beacon of hope for the whole country. The Ministry of Health made an announcement to the mothers of earthquake victims on how to feed the babies who were exposed to a lot of dust under the rubble and who had been hungry for hours. In the announcement; It was emphasized that earthquake-affected mothers should breastfeed their babies as much as possible.
BREAST MILK PROTECTS AGAINST INFECTIONS
In the statement made by the Ministry; It has been noted that if mothers whose milk decreases due to stress, breastfeed their babies continuously, the amount of milk will start to increase in 72 hours. It was also underlined that the hormones secreted during breastfeeding help reduce stress in both the mother and the baby.
On the other hand, it was mentioned that breast milk protects the baby from infectious diseases and fatal diarrhea.
HOW TO FEED BABIES IN EARTHQUAKE?
Baby’s food in cases where breast milk is discontinued, within the framework of hygiene rules should be carefully prepared. While preparing the food, clean water and clean containers should be used, the foods are one-time only and should be consumed within 1 hour.
The preparation of baby food as specified on the package is also among the important rules. The full size must be used. Conversely, if formula is too diluted, it will not meet the baby’s nutritional needs.
