THE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Midwives are essential to safeguarding infant feeding in emergencies. Educators must be better able to prepare students with the knowledge and confidence to lead, protect, and advocate in crisis settings. Participants will be able to: Explain core principles of safe infant and young child feeding in emergencies (IYCF-E) Identify and apply key global guidance documents (OG-IFE, Sphere Guidance, International Code) in emergency contexts Analyze the risks of formula donations and develop harm-reduction responses Integrate emergency-focused lactation content into midwifery education curricula

THE PROCESS/ACTIVITIES:
This interactive, skills-based workshop draws on the framework in Women and Birth’s editorial "Enhancing Midwifery and Lactation Support for Women in Natural Disasters and Humanitarian Crises." It includes a short presentation on global IYCF-E guidance and current evidence, followed by small group case-based learning using real-life emergency response scenarios (e.g., earthquakes, displacement, food insecurity). The workshop introduces a rights-based, evidence-informed approach to lactation support during crises. Participants will explore the international guidance that underpins safe infant feeding in emergencies—including the Operational Guidance on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (OG-IFE) and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Through case-based activities, role play, and reflective discussion, participants will examine how emergencies affect feeding practices and how midwives can safely counteract harmful practices such as the distribution of breastmilk substitutes. Real-world examples from recent humanitarian responses, including conflict and natural disasters, will highlight midwifery-led solutions and collaborative strategies. The workshop also includes a curriculum mapping activity, supporting educators to identify gaps and embed emergency lactation content into existing midwifery training and equip midwives to participate in emergency preparedness activities.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
Attendees will work in small groups to analyze cases, identify gaps, and share strategies for embedding infant feeding in emergencies support in education and practice. Additional reading Based on WHO/UNICEF guidance and peer-reviewed evidence from emergency response contexts.