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
- Breastfeeding Support Phone Numbers: WIC Breastfeeding Support Phone Numbers by Local Agency
*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
- For Breastfeeding Families:
- For Support Providers (including local WIC agencies):
During Disasters
“Even under stress, mothers can breastfeed”- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- For Breastfeeding Families:
- Breastfeeding During a Disaster and Other Emergencies (CDC)
- For Support Providers (including local WIC agencies):
- For Local WIC Agencies
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
- For Breastfeeding Families
Collection Kits for Breast Pumps
Disaster Preparation
- For Breastfeeding Families
North Carolina WIC Pump Options
Pump Type | Brand and Model | Alternative Power Options | Charge Time | Pump Time | Additional Information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Multi-User Electric | Medela Symphony | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Multi-User Electric | Ameda Pearl | Rechargeable AC adapter (outlet required to charge) | 2 hours | At least 3 hours | Manual pump included |
Single User Electric | Medela Pump in Style Advanced | Battery pack or car charger accessories | None | Battery pack: Up to 2 hours Car Charger: Only when car is on | Requires 8 AA batteries, Manual pump included |
Single User Electric | Ameda Mya Joy (original) | Battery option available | None | Approx. 1.5 hours | Requires 4 AA batteries, Manual pump included |
Single User Electric | Ameda Mya Joy PLUS | Rechargeable AC adapter (outlet required to charge) | 2.5 + hours | At least 2 hours | Manual pump included |
Single User Manual | Medela Harmony | No power needed | None | Unlimited | Included in the Pump and Style Advanced kits. |
Single User Manual | Ameda One-Handed Manual Pump | No power needed | None | Unlimited | 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
Powdered Infant Formula
During Disasters
- For Formula Feeding Families
Food Assistance Resources
- Food Bank of the Albemarle (Northeast NC)
- Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC
- Second Harvest Northwest NC
- Manna Food Bank in Western North Carolina locations
- Second Harvest Southeast NC
Food Safety in Emergency Situations
- Conference for Food Protection: Comprehensive Resource for Food Recovery Programs
- FDA: Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods
- Foodsafety.gov: In an Emergency
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA):
- Food and Nutrition Services (FNS):
- Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS):