Hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30. Although we are hoping for the best this hurricane season, it is always a good idea to have a plan ready should a storm come our way.
If you’re an expectant mother, you’re already caught up in the whirlwind of preparing for a newborn and the last thing on your mind is a hurricane. To help you prepare, we have created this checklist of recommended supplies to have on hand in case of a hurricane.
Depending how far along you are in your pregnancy, you may want to consult your physician to help you determine what plan of action is best for you and your family.
Evacuation
Discuss your evacuation plans with your provider in case you need to leave. In anticipation of longer evacuations due to impassable roads or home damage, they may be able to refer you to a physician at your evacuation destination. Hurricanes can be unpredictable, so you should prepare to have little to no access to your current physician. When you evacuate, bring all medical documentation pertaining to your prenatal care and birth plan to avoid disrupting your care.
Staying Home
If you are staying home, have emergency delivery supplies on hand and be aware of the urgent maternal warning signs. Hurricanes do not directly cause pre-term labor, but the stress of preparing for one can; during a hurricane, medical professionals may not be able to reach you immediately. If you experience any of these warning signs or onset of labor, call 911 and be prepared with your birth bag to be relocated to the hospital.
Preparations
Whether you’re evacuating or staying home, remember you’re no longer packing for just yourself – you’re packing for your baby. Make sure you have diapers, baby clothes, blankets, and something safe to carry your baby in (stroller, carrier, etc.) should relocation be necessary.
During natural disasters, breastfeeding is best for babies less than six months old the following reasons:
- Readily Available: Even when supply chains are disrupted, breast milk is always on hand. It also does not require preparation or special storage conditions, making it incredibly convenient during power outages and when resources are limited.
- Sanitary: It reduces the risk of contamination that can occur with formula feeding, especially when clean water and sterilization options are scarce and boil advisories are in place.
- Nutritional and Immune Support: Breast milk provides complete nutrition and helps boost your baby’s immune system. This helps protect infants from diarrheal illnesses (which could occur with unsafe water) and from respiratory infections (common in shelters and crowded conditions).
- Comfort and Stress Regulation: Breastfeeding helps calm babies during chaos and promotes bonding and emotional security, which is helpful during stressful times.