Kathmandu, September 20, 2026 — The Nepal Pediatric Society (NEPAS) has urged families not to seek alternatives to breast milk during natural disasters and emergencies, saying breast milk is the best and safest food for infants’ nutrition and health protection.
Issuing official recommendations on “Management of Children During Disasters,” the society said breast milk substitutes should be used only in specific and sensitive circumstances in which breastfeeding is not possible, and only on the advice of health professionals.
NEPAS said continued breastfeeding during emergencies requires support from families and communities.
According to the society, breast milk substitutes such as formula milk or packaged milk should be used only when breastfeeding is completely impossible and with appropriate guidance from health workers.
The society said breast milk substitutes may be used in the following circumstances: if the mother has died or gone missing, or the mother and child have been separated for a prolonged period; if the mother’s health is critically serious and she cannot breastfeed; if the mother has suffered severe psychological injury or trauma that prevents her from breastfeeding; if the infant was already being fed a breast milk substitute before the disaster; if a medical condition prevents the mother from breastfeeding or the infant from receiving breast milk; if breastfeeding is otherwise not possible; or if a wet nurse is unavailable.
