Breastfeeding Preparedness: Staying Fed, Safe & Regulated During Inclement Weather

Hey Honey!!

I hope you are reading this from somewhere safe and warm. If you’ve been watching the news this past week then you know a record breaking ice storm is headed across the nation particularly affecting the South the hardest. If you’re in Georgia—prepare NOW. We know GA weather can be iffy but better safe than sorry, honey!!

When these storms hit, power goes out, or evacuation becomes necessary, feeding your babee doesn’t stop.

Breastfeeding is not only your babee’s food source—it’s hydration, immunity, regulation, and comfort. With a little preparation, you can feel confident caring for your babee in any emergency.

Breastfeeding is one of the most reliable feeding methods during emergencies because:

• Milk is always available, even when power, water, or formula access is disrupted

• Breast milk provides hydration and immune protection

• Nursing supports emotional regulation for both babee and parent during stress

• No sterilization, electricity, or supplies are required to feed directly at the breast

  
  

💛 Your body is a built-in emergency response system.

BEFORE THE STORM: Prepare Your Feeding Plan

1. Protect Your Milk Supply

• Nurse frequently leading up to the event

• Avoid unnecessary schedule changes or pumping breaks

• Stay well hydrated and nourished

• Reduce stress where possible—stress does not “dry up” milk, but exhaustion or stress can affect letdown.

  
  
  
  

2. Emergency Breastfeeding Kit (Grab-and-Go)

Pack in a waterproof or ziploc bag:

• Nursing cover or large scarf (for warmth or privacy)

• Reusable water bottle

• Shelf-stable snacks (nuts, bars, crackers)

• Breast pads (cloth or disposable)

• Manual hand pump or silicone milk collector

• Milk storage bags (even if you don’t plan to pump)

• Small cooler + ice packs (if available)

• Hand sanitizer

• Headlamp or flashlight for night feeds

DURING POWER OUTAGES

If You Are Nursing Directly

• Nurse on demand—babees may cluster feed for comfort because they are overwhelmed too.

• Skin-to-skin helps regulate babee’s temperature and stress

• Feed in the safest, most comfortable area of your home

  
  

If You Pump or Express

• Use a manual pump or hand expression

• Store milk in the coldest part of the refrigerator or cooler

• If milk warms above safe temps and cannot be used—prioritize nursing directly

• Remember milk has a shelf life of 5 days room temperature. In these cold temperatures it should be safe to feed.

🍼 Remember: nursing directly requires no power and is the safest option.

EVACUATION OR REHOMING

Breastfeeding While Displaced

• You do not need to supplement if nursing is going well

• Increased stress may cause slower letdown—breathe, relax, relate, release so the milk will flow.

• Focus on babee

• Feed more often; babee may nurse for comfort

• Ask for privacy accommodations if in a shelter (this is a protected need)

  
  

If Separated Briefly From Babee

• Hand express to maintain supply

• Store milk safely if possible

• Resume frequent nursing as soon as reunited

HYDRATION & NUTRITION IN EMERGENCIES

• Drink to thirst; small frequent sips are fine

• Water, broths, juices all count

• Eat when you can—carbs + fats help sustain milk production

• If food is limited, your body will still prioritize milk

  
  

🍯 Your body is resilient—even when resources are stretched.

MYTHS TO RELEASE

• ❌ “Stress stops milk” → Stress may slow letdown, but milk is still there

  
  

• ❌ “You must have formula in emergencies” → Breastfeeding is often the safest option

  
  

• ❌ “Milk isn’t enough during disasters” → Breast milk adapts to baby’s needs

WHEN TO SEEK SUPPORT

Reach out to us or a lactation professional if:

• Babee has fewer wet diapers than usual

• You experience pain, engorgement, or blocked ducts

• You’re separated from babee for more than 24 hours

• You need reassurance—support is preventative care

A Spoonful of Honey

Breastfeeding during an emergency is an act of protection and love. Preparation isn’t about fear—it’s about confidence. With knowledge, supplies, and support, you and your baby can weather any storm.

✨ You are not unprepared. You are powerful