Sunday, Sep 26 - Expo Hall Opening
Sunday, Sep 26 - Job Fair
Monday,
Sep 27 - AWHONN's Block Party
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Title: Support of Breastfeeding and Pregnant Women in the Disaster Shelter Setting
Discipline: Newborn (NB), Childbearing (CB)
Learning Objectives:
Submission Description:- The learner will be able to identify concerns of breastfeeding women living in a disaster shelter
- The learner will be able to identify unique challenges facing pregnant women residing in disaster shelters.
- The learner will be able to convey knowledge learned to disaster relief volunteers in their community
Natural disasters affect men, women and children. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not exempt. These patients present a special challenge to Disaster Relief volunteers, Many discomforts of pregnancy are normal including morning sickness, backaches, heartburn and dizziness. However to others, these normal concerns appear frightening. Non-obstetric health providers as well as civilians often feel uncomfortable around breastfeeding women because they have had no personal experience with breastfeeding. Disaster volunteers can be quick to encourage formula feeding when support of continued breastfeeding is best for the infant.
As evidenced by observations made during Hurricane Ike, increasing Disaster Volunteers knowledge about Breastfeeding as well as Common Discomforts and Concerns of Pregnancy can lessen the anxiety and stress experienced by both pregnant and breastfeeding women and volunteers caring for them. This increased knowledge can lessen unnecessary trips to the Emergency Room when medical resources are already overwhelmed as well as promote better nutrition for breastfeeding infants.
