Disaster Resources for WIC Agencies

Promote messaging that breastfeeding is the safest and best infant feeding option during a disaster or emergency.

Please view page 20 of the Guide to Coordinating WIC Service During Disasters.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Support Phone Line for Breastfeeding Families

*See a list of closed WIC agencies. If your WIC agency is closed, please contact any open local WIC agency for breastfeeding support.

Free Infant Feeding Help for Families Affected by Hurricane Helene

  • If you have questions about feeding your baby and were affected by Hurricane Helene, free help is available! Families can call or text the Appalachian Breastfeeding Network Hotline anytime for support. This service is free and funded by the Ohio Department of Health to assist families during this tough time. North Carolina is thankful for their help in making sure breastfeeding families get the support they need.

The hotline is open 24/7, every day of the year. Call 888-588-3423 or text "BFHOTLINE" to 833863 for free help.

Resources

Disaster Preparation

During Disasters

“Even under stress, mothers can breastfeed”- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Milk Expression

“Expressing breast milk by hand is an important skill for lactating women to learn, especially in case of an emergency. Hand expression can be helpful in emergency situations when you may not have access to a breast pump, electricity for a breast pump, or if you are away from your baby unexpectedly.”- CDC

Disaster Preparation and During Disasters

Collection Kits for Breast Pumps

Disaster Preparation

North Carolina WIC Pump Options

Pump TypeBrand and ModelAlternative Power Options Charge TimePump TimeAdditional Information
Multi-User Electric Medela SymphonyN/AN/AN/A 
Multi-User Electric Ameda PearlRechargeable AC adapter (outlet required to charge)2 hoursAt least 3 hoursManual pump included
Single User Electric Medela Pump in Style AdvancedBattery pack or car charger accessoriesNoneBattery pack: Up to 2 hours
Car Charger: Only when car is on
 
Requires 8 AA batteries, Manual pump included  
Single User ElectricAmeda Mya Joy (original)Battery option available NoneApprox. 1.5 hoursRequires 4 AA batteries, Manual pump included
Single User ElectricAmeda Mya Joy PLUSRechargeable AC adapter (outlet required to charge)2.5 + hoursAt least 2 hoursManual pump included
Single User Manual Medela HarmonyNo power neededNoneUnlimited Included in the Pump and Style Advanced kits. 
Single User Manual Ameda One-Handed Manual PumpNo power neededNoneUnlimited Included with the Pearl, Mya Joy, and Mya Joy PLUS kits. 


Infant Feeding Guidance

Cup Feeding

Disaster Preparation & During Disasters

  • For Breastfeeding (providing expressed milk) & Formula Feeding Families

Cleaning Infant Feeding Supplies During Emergencies

Disaster Preparation & During Disasters

  • For Breastfeeding (providing expressed milk) & Formula Feeding Families
    • How to Clean Infant Feeding Items During Emergencies (CDC): English, Spanish

Powdered Infant Formula

During Disasters

  • For Formula Feeding Families

Food Assistance Resources

Food Safety in Emergency Situations