NCBfC SAFE Infant Feeding
in Emergencies

Trainings

SAFE Training Ended February 26, 2025

The SAFE Training program has been a tremendous success, thanks to the dedication of each of you and the generosity of our funders and donors. We extend our deepest appreciation to the Marcia Brady Tucker Foundation, Meals for Families, the United Way, the Southern Fund, and all of you who contributed—including two incredibly generous personal family donations. Your support made this work possible.

And it is with deep gratitude—and a heavy heart—that we share an important update with you. We have exhausted all reserve funds in the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition to cover our operations, and unfortunately, we are facing a significant budget shortfall for February. Unless we secure additional funding, our program’s last day will be February 26, 2025.

What We’ve Achieved Together

Expanded emergency training for volunteers and response teams
- 380+ trained nationally
- 180+ local volunteers trained.
Provided direct support to over 300 disaster-affected families, ensuring access to safe infant feeding.
Distributed 4,500+ infant feeding sanitation kits, protecting babies from illness due to unsafe bottle and pump use.
Scaled human milk sharing efforts, distributing 250,000 ounces of donor milk—the equivalent of 83,000 infant meals in Western NC—by expanding and improving access to safe, donated human milk.

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Training sanitation kits_edited_edited_e

What's Next?

We are actively seeking emergency funding to continue our mission beyond February 26. If you know of any funding opportunities, grants, or partners who may be able to help or donate, please reach out as soon as possible.

We had hoped to continue supporting families, knowing that the recovery effort in Western North Carolina will likely take two years. Yet, we are so proud of what we’ve built together and will continue to fight for families impacted by disasters. Please keep Western North Carolina in your hearts and minds, as we know that families are continuing to struggle. No matter what happens next, we honor the work we’ve done and the lives we’ve impacted.

Need More Information?

Contact the SAFE Team; safe@ncbfc.org

Frequently Asked Questions about the Training

1. What is the purpose of the SAFE Training?

The SAFE Training program equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to support safe infant and young child feeding in emergencies (IYCF-E). Through this immersive experience, you'll learn how to provide critical support to families affected by disasters, such as Hurricane Helene, and gain tools to apply to future emergency response scenarios.

2. Who is this training designed for?

This training is ideal for healthcare providers, community advocates, lactation consultants, support staff, and anyone interested in supporting infant feeding during emergencies.

3. What happens during the training?

The training includes a mix of foundational learning modules, hands-on activities, and real-world fieldwork. You’ll engage in sessions such as feeding support triage, water safety, risk mitigation, hand expression, and cup feeding.

4. What are the topics?

Infant Feeding Support Triage, Assessment, and Counseling
Water Safety and Safe Handling of Feeding Supplies
Strategies for Mitigating Risks
Creating Safer Spaces for Support
Hand Expression
Cup Feeding
And so much more

5. What is the structure of the training?

The training is spread over 3.5 days.

First day is a half-day, beginning in the afternoon at 1 pm with orientation and introductions.
The next two days feature morning sessions starting at 9:30 am, followed by fieldwork in the afternoon.
Final day includes a morning debrief at 9:30am, followed by fieldwork in the afternoon.

6. What do participants receive from the fieldwork?

During fieldwork, participants gain hands-on experience providing support to families in the community. Activities may include counseling caregivers, assessing feeding supplies, and creating safe spaces for infant feeding.
Continuing Education Credits

7. What support will be available during the training?

During the SAFE Training, participants have access to a robust support system designed to ensure a smooth and effective learning experience.

Boots on the Ground Coordinator: A local coordinator will be on-site to direct you to where you need to go for in-person activities and ensure logistics run smoothly.
Preceptors: Experienced trainers and preceptors will provide hands-on guidance and oversee your training activities throughout the program.
Guest Experts: Experts from around the world will join us to share their knowledge and insights, enriching your learning experience.
Digital Coordinator: A dedicated digital coordinator will be available by phone throughout the day to answer any questions and provide remote support.
GroupMe Messaging: A GroupMe text message thread set up to facilitate communication. Through this platform, participants can connect with other trainees, trainers, and coordinators to ask questions, share updates, and collaborate in real time.