Hey Mama,
Hurricane Erin swerved away (praise be), but she reminded us loud and clear: hurricane season is officially here in the South. And when you’ve got a baby on the boob, storm prep isn’t just about bottled water and batteries — it’s about making sure your milk supply stays steady and your baby stays fed no matter what.
The good news? Breastfeeding is one of the safest, most reliable ways to feed your baby during a natural disaster. Let’s talk about how to be ready when the power goes out, the freezer thaws, and the Wi-Fi dies (the real tragedy).
1. Preparedness: Your Storm-Proof Feeding Plan
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Learn hand expression now. If your pump can’t run, your hands are your backup.
👉 Quick tips:-
Massage breasts in a circular motion to get milk flowing
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Place thumb above and fingers below the areola, press back toward chest wall, then compress forward
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Collect in a clean container or even a bottle cap if that’s all you’ve got
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Pack a manual pump. No batteries, no plug, no problem.
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Set up a nursing nook. Flashlight, water, snacks, diapers — think storm survival, mama-style.
2. Frozen Milk + Power Outages
If the storm takes out the power, here’s your quick reference:
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Ice crystals? ✅ Refreeze it.
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Fully thawed but still cold? ✅ Use within 24 hours, don’t refreeze.
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Warm or room temp? ❌ Not safe for baby to drink.
💡 But don’t dump it just yet. Thawed milk that’s no longer safe for feeding can still be used for:
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Baby’s milk bath (soothing for skin and rashes)
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Treating minor scrapes or pink eye (liquid gold has antibodies, Mama)
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DIY soap or lotion (yep, “boob soap” is a thing)
Because wasted milk hurts — but wasted milk can still work.
3. Finding Resources if the Storm Hits
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WIC and local health departments: often first to respond with infant feeding guidance
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La Leche League + IBCLCs: many set up hotlines or emergency support
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Local mom groups on Facebook/IG: real-time updates, gear swaps, and milk sharing connections
Mama tip: Screenshot key hotlines and save them in your phone — no internet needed later.
4. Breastfeeding = Built-In Disaster Plan
Formula can be hard to find, mix safely, or keep cold when water and power are out. Breastmilk? Always sterile. Always the right temperature. Always on tap.
It’s hydration, immunity, and comfort in one package — a triple threat when your world feels upside down.
5. How to Help Fellow Moms
Hurricanes hit hardest when we’re isolated. Here’s how you can lighten another mama’s load:
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Share extra manual pumps, flanges, or breast pads
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Offer freezer space if you’ve got a generator
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Volunteer to help set up baby-friendly spaces in shelters
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Pass along accurate milk storage info (goodbye, cousin Karen’s Facebook myths 🙄)
✅ Hurricane Season Checklist for Breastfeeding Moms
Save this. Screenshot it. Share it with your mama friends.
Feeding Gear:
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Manual pump
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Extra flanges + tubing (if you use an electric)
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Milk storage bags/containers
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Cooler + ice packs
Knowledge:
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Hand expression steps (practice now!)
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Milk storage safety rules (what to refreeze, what to use, what to toss)
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Local IBCLC/WIC hotline numbers saved offline
Supplies:
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Water bottles
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Shelf-stable snacks
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Flashlight + batteries (for midnight feeds)
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Blanket/nursing cover for crowded shelters
Community:
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Check on NICU/fragile baby families
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Offer freezer or fridge space if you’re powered
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Share accurate info & support
Final Thought
Mama, storms will come — but your body is already the safest shelter your baby knows. A little prep now means you can ride out whatever hurricane season throws at you with confidence (and maybe even a dry shirt, if you’re lucky).
Breastfeeding isn’t just nourishment. It’s survival. And you? You’re the calm in your baby’s storm.
