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During natural disasters, like wildfires, continued breastfeeding is recommended and remains the safest way to feed your baby.

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Natural Disasters Can Disrupt Feeing Routines
 

Research has demonstrated that breastfeeding/infant feeding routines can be significantly impacted during natural disasters such as wildfires and flood (1). Parents experience stress and uncertainty during these times. With the release of certain hormones, like oxytocin, breastfeeding may reduce stress for you and your baby during challenging situations.

 

Does Smoke Inhaled From Wildfires Cause Harm Through Breastfeeding? 

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You may also wonder about the effects of smoke inhalation on breast milk. Air pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), for example, are released during wildfires. However, they do not pose harmful effects on breastmilk. In fact, like other air pollutants, environmental studies have confirmed that breastmilk’s protective effect outweigh its potential health risk to the infant (2). In one study, the levels of fluoranthene and pyrene, PAHs, found in breastmilk following wildfires were measured and found to be minimal (the value was 400 times below levels cited in the literature as potentially causing harm) (1). 

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Ways to Reduce Chemical Contaminants after Exposure to Wildfire Smoke

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According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, following exposure to wildfire smoke you should do the following:

• Remove smoke particles from skin.

• Remove and wash contaminated clothing as soon as possible.

• Shower as soon as possible to prevent absorption of chemical contaminates through your skin.

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Where to Get Help

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The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a free, confidential service that provides crisis counseling and emotional support for people affected by disasters. You can call or text the DDH at 1-800-985-5990, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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References

1. Beyene, T., Zosky, G.R., Gibson, P.G. et al. The impact of the 2019/2020 Australian landscape fires on infant feeding and contaminants in breast milk in women with asthma. Int Breastfeed J 18, 13 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-023-00550-8

2. CDC. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP). (2024) https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/hcp/exposures/environmental.html#:~:text=Mothers%20may%20continue%20to%20breastfeed,not%20absorbed%20into%20the%20bloodstream.

3. Zielinska MA, Hamulka J. Protective Effect of Breastfeeding on the Adverse Health Effects Induced by Air Pollution: Current Evidence and Possible Mechanisms. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Oct 29;16(21):4181. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16214181. PMID: 31671856; PMCID: PMC6862650.