2025 Breastfeeding Symposium

Here are key indicators to recognize potential human trafficking situations:

• Appearance and Demeanor:

  • Signs of physical abuse, neglect, or poor health (e.g., untreated injuries, malnourishment, dental issues).
  • Appears fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, or overly timid.
  • Avoids eye contact or seems coached on what to say.
  • Shows signs of sleep deprivation or emotional distress.
  • Lives in poor conditions, such as an overcrowded apartment or inadequate housing.

• Lack of Control and Freedom:

  • Does not have possession of their own money, identification, or personal documents (e.g., passport, ID, birth certificate).
  • Has few or no personal possessions.
  • Is unable to communicate freely or is always accompanied by another person who speaks for them.
  • Is not allowed to leave their work or living situation, or move about freely.
  • Has restricted or controlled communication with family, friends, or others outside their immediate environment.
  • Expresses fear of law enforcement or of their employer/trafficker.

• Work and Living Conditions:

  • Works excessively long hours with little or no pay.
  • Is paid very little or nothing at all, or has wages withheld.
  • Works in dangerous or unhealthy conditions.
  • Is forced to live at the place of work or in employer-provided housing.
  • Is isolated from the community or others outside their immediate work environment.
  • Has unexplained debts or is told they owe a large sum of money.
  • Is subjected to threats or intimidation from their employer/trafficker or their associates.

• Behavioral Indicators:

  • Shows signs of being controlled or manipulated.
  • Relies on someone else to transport them to and from work.
  • Is unwilling to discuss their living or working conditions.
  • Exhibits signs of trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or fear.
  • Is unable to explain where they live or work.
  • Has inconsistencies in their story.
  • Is involved in an exploitative relationship with someone much older or more powerful.

• Specific Contexts:

  • Labor Trafficking: Found in various industries including agriculture, construction, domestic service, restaurants, hotels, manufacturing, and illicit activities (e.g., drug production, forced begging).
  • Sex Trafficking: Seen in massage parlors, escort services, strip clubs, brothels, and online platforms. May involve individuals under 18.
  • Child Trafficking: Any exploitation of a child, regardless of force, fraud, or coercion. Look for children out of school, working late hours, or showing signs of abuse.

If you suspect human trafficking, do not intervene directly. Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" or "INFO" to BEFREE (233733). In an emergency, call 911.

Source: Google Gemini

How physicians can identify, assist human trafficking victims
https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/how-physicians-can-identify-assist-human-trafficking-victims

PEARR tool training and implementation: building awareness of violence and human trafficking in a hospital system
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11112017/

PEARR Tool: Trauma-Informed Approach to Victim Assistance in Healthcare Settings
https://www.healtrafficking.org/resources/pearr-tool

Responding to Commercially Sexually Exploited and Trafficked Youth A Handbook for Child Serving Professional
https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/human-trafficking/assets/docs/OCFS-Handbook-for-Office-print.pdf

A Loaner Multi-User Electric Breast Pump Program typically involves a program providing electric breast pumps for multiple users on a temporary basis, often with specific guidelines for use and return. These programs aim to support breastfeeding mothers who need assistance with expressing milk but may not have access to a personal pump. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown in bullet points:

• Purpose:

To support breastfeeding mothers who need to express milk but may not have access to a personal breast pump. 

• Program Basics:
  • Eligibility: Participants must typically be breastfeeding and meet specific program criteria (e.g., WIC eligibility, medical need). 
  • Pump Type: Multi-user electric breast pumps, often hospital-grade, are provided. 
  • Loan Duration: Pumps are typically loaned for a specific timeframe (e.g., two to three weeks), with exceptions for longer needs based on individual situations. 
  • Return: Participants are responsible for returning the pump to the program when the loan period ends. 
• Hygiene and Safety:
  • Cleaning and Inspection: Pumps are thoroughly cleaned and inspected before and after each use to maintain hygiene. 
  • Replacement Kits: Participants are usually provided with a new, sterile collection kit for their use. 
• User Agreement:
  • Instructions: Participants receive training on pump usage, assembly, cleaning, and proper milk handling. 
  • Responsibility: Participants understand that the pump is the program's property and must return it in the agreed-upon timeframe. 
  • Evaluation: WIC staff may monitor pumping needs and provide ongoing support. 
• Accountability and Security:
  • Tracking: Programs maintain records of pump distribution and return to ensure accountability. 
  • Secure Storage: Pumps are stored in a secure area to prevent theft or loss. 
• Program Variation:
  • Local Programs: Specific program details, such as loan durations and eligibility criteria, may vary by location. 
  • WIC Programs: Many WIC programs offer multi-user breast pump loaner programs. 
  • Hospitals and Lactation Consultants: Hospitals and lactation consultants may also offer rental services for multi-user breast pumps. 

Source: Google Gemini

Proactive Planning is Paramount:

• Develop comprehensive infant feeding plans as part of overall disaster preparedness strategies before a disaster strikes.
• Integrate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) into all levels of disaster planning, including local, regional, and national.
• Identify and pre-position resources for infant feeding, such as ready-to-feed formula, sterile water, and feeding supplies, in accessible locations.
• Establish clear communication channels and protocols for disseminating information about safe infant feeding during emergencies.
• Conduct regular drills and simulations to test and refine infant feeding response plans.

Establish a Dedicated SAFE Infant Feeding Team:

• Form a specialized team with expertise in lactation, infant nutrition, and disaster response.
• Clearly define roles and responsibilities within the team.
• Provide ongoing training and professional development for team members.
• Ensure the team has access to necessary resources and authority to implement interventions.

Prioritize Breastfeeding Protection and Support:

• Recognize breastfeeding as the optimal and safest feeding method in emergencies due to its inherent sterility, immunity, and nutritional completeness.
• Implement policies and practices that protect, promote, and support breastfeeding, such as creating safe spaces for breastfeeding mothers, providing lactation support, and discouraging unsolicited donations of infant formula.
• Educate responders and the public on the importance of continued breastfeeding during disasters.

Safe and Appropriate Formula Distribution (When Necessary):

• If formula feeding is necessary, ensure it is provided in a safe, controlled, and targeted manner.
• Avoid general, untargeted distribution of infant formula, which can undermine breastfeeding and lead to unsafe preparation practices.
• Prioritize ready-to-feed formula when available, as it eliminates the need for sterile water and preparation.
• Provide clear instructions on safe formula preparation and hygiene, including the importance of clean water and sterilization of equipment.
• Monitor for safe preparation practices and address any concerns promptly.

Effective Communication and Education:

• Disseminate consistent and accurate messages about safe infant feeding through various channels (e.g., public service announcements, social media, community outreach).
• Address common misconceptions and misinformation regarding infant feeding in disasters.
• Educate healthcare providers, relief workers, and the general public on best practices for infant feeding in emergencies.

Collaborative Partnerships:

• Foster strong collaborations with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), healthcare providers, and community leaders.
• Establish clear lines of communication and coordination among all stakeholders involved in disaster response.
• Leverage existing networks and resources to enhance infant feeding support.

Rapid Assessment and Continuous Monitoring:

• Conduct rapid assessments to identify the infant feeding needs of the affected population.
• Continuously monitor the infant feeding situation and adapt response strategies as needed.
• Collect data on feeding practices, health outcomes, and challenges to inform future planning and response.

Addressing Psychosocial Needs of Mothers and Families:

• Recognize the significant stress and trauma experienced by mothers and families during disasters.
• Provide psychosocial support to mothers, as stress can impact breastfeeding and feeding practices.
• Create supportive environments that facilitate mother-infant bonding and feeding.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management:

• Develop robust logistics for the procurement, storage, and distribution of infant feeding supplies.
• Ensure a secure and uninterrupted supply chain, particularly for essential items like ready-to-feed formula and sterile water.
• Address challenges related to transportation and access in disaster-affected areas.

Post-Disaster Evaluation and Lessons Learned:

• Conduct thorough post-disaster evaluations to identify successes, challenges, and areas for improvement in infant feeding response.
• Document lessons learned and integrate them into future disaster preparedness and response plans.
• Share findings and best practices with other organizations and communities to improve global disaster response.

Source: Google Gemini

North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition
https://www.ncbfc.org/safe#:~:text=To%20request%20a%20visit%20or,or%20complete%20the%20form%20here.

NCBfC SAFE Infant Feeding, Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/ncbfcsafe/

ncbfc_safeteam, Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ncbfc_safeteam/

Videos, YouTube
Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities, YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@breastfeedingfamilyfriendl5015

Safe Infant Feeding in Emergencies with Norma | NCBfC SAFE Team
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WeMyoatTj8