Consider the Risk of Donating Infant Formula Milk in Disaster Areas

If you intend to donate baby formula to natural disaster victims, think again. Various things and conditions in the disaster environment might actually pose risks that endanger the baby. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) states, formula feeding in disaster areas may increase the risk of diarrhea, malnutrition, and infant death. At present, donations of formula milk or other baby products (bottles, pacifiers, pacifiers) can only be given with the approval of the local Health Office.

Risks of Providing Formula Milk in Disaster Areas

Although formula milk may be needed by infants who do not get breast milk (ASI), but in fact this product can actually be dangerous if given in the area of ​​planning. Here are a few reasons:

• Not enough equipment is available

Various equipment to prepare and provide formula milk, such as spoons and bottles, are not necessarily available. Even if there is, this equipment will not be clean and sterile.

• The place is dirty and difficult to get clean water

Hot and clean water to dissolve milk may not always be there. Even if there is, it might also be contaminated. Then not necessarily there is clean water for washing milk bottles. In addition, a dirty environment is very likely to contaminate milk powder.

• Possibility of contamination during storage

Formula milk may also be contaminated due to poor storage coupled with less than ideal environmental conditions.

• Milk that is suitable for each baby is different

Formula milk suitable for the baby is not necessarily available, especially if he is allergic or born prematurely. If the baby really has to be given formula milk, it's better to choose ready-to-use formula milk than powdered formula.

If Indeed Formula Milk Must Be Given

If the baby cannot get breast milk and formula milk must be prepared, then the process of preparation and administration needs to be done very carefully. Here are the things that must be considered:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing formula milk. If clean water and soap are not available, use an antiseptic hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Instead of cooking raw water from a tap, it's better to use water from bottled mineral water that is still sealed, so that the cleanliness is better maintained.
• Boil the water for at least 1 minute, then let it cool briefly before it is used to dissolve powdered milk formula.
• Don't forget to wash all the baby's milk supplies and immediately dispose of contaminated bottles or pacifiers, for example if you have been exposed to dirt or flood water.

Preparing formula milk for babies born prematurely, babies less than 3 months, or babies with weak immune systems, must be done with more caution. As for children under five years old (toddlers) who can drink from glass, it is recommended to use disposable cups to avoid dirty or contaminated glass.

It's better to breastfeed

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide nutrition for babies in all situations, especially during natural disasters. In addition, breast milk can help protect babies from respiratory infections and diarrhea. This protection is important considering the unclean environmental conditions in refugee camps can increase the risk of disease. Compared to formula milk, breast milk does not require special tools and preparation in its administration. Breast milk will also protect the baby from hyportemia because the temperature is exactly what the baby needs. But remember, breast milk is not recommended in the post-disaster period because there is no refrigerator and electric power to store it if it is not immediately given to the baby. Breast milk pumps also do not need to be donated to victims of natural disasters because they need to be sterilized and stored in a clean place. Careful consideration is needed when donating baby formula for disaster areas, including the risks that might occur. You can ask volunteers in the affected areas, before deciding to donate baby formula milk, so that the help you provide is not in vain or even dangerous.