Safety Precautions & Help For Pregnant Women, New Moms & Babies During Flood

On 19th December 2021, Malaysia was hit by a devastating flood which was dubbed as the “one-in-a-hundred-year flood” by our meteorological department (MET). After four days, we can still see and feel its effects on the flood victims; houses are ravaged, approximately 41000 residents are evacuated, some are still stranded, personal belongings are damaged, and vehicles are destroyed. Areas affected were Klang, Shah Alam, Hulu Langat, Pahang, etc. with KL and Selangor being the worst hit in decades. In short, the flood had ravaged the whole of Malaysia and our people. 

(Image credit to The Guardian)

What’s sad is among those affected were pregnant women, new moms, and babies who were supposed to deserve a relaxed year-end with their families. However, things turned upside down for them. “I was trapped with three of my family members and my newborn baby in my home at Taman Sri Muda while the water was rising to the second floor”- Janice Su Fang. “I carried my newborn baby, wading through the floodwaters. Only God knows my fear during the time of darkness but I had to be strong for my baby’s safety”- Suhaili Saharuddin. More women like them are severely affected by the ordeals. 

It’s always important to be prepared for any natural disasters, especially for the safety of expecting couples, new parents, and newborns. We care for the moms and babies imminently, hence why we are going to give you brief information on flood safety precautions for pregnant women, new moms, and babies. 

Risk Of Disease  

#1 Water & food borne disease

(Image credit to Insights)

Diseases through water and food often affect a victim during and after a flood due to the consumption of drinks and food that has been contaminated by germs. The diseases include typhoid, dysentery, cholera, hepatitis A, and food poisoning which are highly contagious and dangerous for the health of a mummy and baby. Hence, immediate doctor treatment is needed to avoid any mishaps. 

#2 Leptospirosis

(Image credit to Insights)

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the bacterium found in four-legged animals which then can be easily transmitted to humans, especially during floods. Since floodwaters are contaminated, dirty waters there is a high possibility that they can be contaminated with the urine of the said animals as well. Therefore, always watch out for kids who tend to play with floodwaters and never allow pregnant women to come into contact with anything that has been drenched by the floodwaters. 

#3 Conjunctivitis

(Image credit to Specsart)

Most commonly known as eye pain, conjunctivitis is another common risk in victims of floods. The disease can be easily spread from one person to another via sharing of personal belongings such as towels, pillows, handkerchiefs, etc. with the infected person. Pregnant and new mothers should take extra care and avoid sharing other people’s stuff during the time of floods as it would only aggravate your health and baby’s. 

#4 Dengue fever

(Image credit to Economic Forum)

After the receding of the flood, one of the most common effects to occur is dengue fever through the Aedes mosquito. Why? Since floodwaters leave housing areas damp and wet, the affected areas become a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. That’s why it is very significant for vulnerable people like expecting moms, new mothers, and babies to not return immediately after the floods. 

Getting Prepared for an Emergency 

Flash floods can be scary and stressful, especially if you are expecting or having a baby with you. Therefore, it is really important to be always prepared not only for floods but also for any natural disasters that might strike at any time. Here’s what you can do:

# Before Flood

(Image credit to Malay Mail)

• Confirm with your healthcare provider where you’ll get the prenatal care during an emergency if you are closer to your due date
• Learn signs of preterm labor since stress can cause early pregnancy
• Be informed of emergency plans from local officials
• Be ready to follow evacuation instructions; pregnant ladies can find out about the nearest hospitals that provide shelter or help during emergencies
• List down important contact numbers either on phone or on paper
• Pack a disaster bag; Clothes, medicines, vitamins, diapers, milk powders, napkins, blanket, pacifiers, bottled water, dry foods, sanitizers, sanitary pads, towels, etc.
• Plan to help your baby sleep safely. Baby sleep safest on their back in their areas such as in portable cribs or bassinet

# During Flood

(Image credit to The Star)

• Call for the nearest help if you have any signs of labor
• Quickly leave your home when you notice water levels are rising
• Do not wade through floodwaters by cars or bikes
• Take your disaster bag with you during the evacuation
• Upon arrival at any flood relief centers, let volunteers know your condition and baby’s condition
• Continue taking vitamins during the stay at the shelter and drink plenty of water
• If you are breastfeeding, please continue to do so
• For mothers using milk formula, try ready-to-feed formula if possible as there might not be a clean water supply
• Possibly inform family members of your location if you are separated from them
• Keep baby warm by wrapping up in a blanket as relief centers are big, airy spaces
• Always, always stay by your baby’s side and keep track of your baby’s health condition

# After Flood

(Image credit to Cleanup Dumpsters)

• Do not return immediately to your house until your area is declared safe to return
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration as lack of water in the body can cause preterm labor
• Bathe when you can using soap and wash hands frequently
• Bathe or wipe baby clean with warm water to avoid any bacterial infections
• Do not lift heavy objects and take rests frequently to remain calm 
• Try eating healthily if possible even you are cut off from your regular pregnancy diets
• Ensure your baby or toddles gets a continuous supply of milk or baby food
• Keep your baby and yourself away from things that are wet from floodwaters
• Ensure the safety of food, water, and air since babies and pregnant mothers have low immunity 
• Throw away ALL baby items, toys, and supplies that have come in contact with floodwaters
• Disinfect any items and places that belong to babies, pregnant and new mothers
• As soon as it is much safer, get an immediate health check-up for your baby and yourself even if it’s not with your usual healthcare provider 

The aftermath of a flood is as almost hazardous as the floodwaters itself due to electrical dangers, mold growth, chemical flow, sewage flow, contaminated food, and water. Pregnant ladies, new mothers, and babies alongside children and elderly people are prone to be affected by these environmental hazards. Hence, it is always advisable to not involve these groups of people in the clean-up process. 

Seeking For Help

During this flood, we have seen so many non-governmental organizations (NGOs), volunteers, and kind samaritans who came to help the flood victims. Numerous Malaysians are banding together to lend a helping hand or donate essentials for the affected. If you are currently in need of any help or intend to help the affected, here are some charities that you can reach out to:

#1 MUDA

(Image credit to Coconuts)

Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman and his youth political party, MUDA has been one of the most common names that we saw in every news and online platform. They have been effectively helping the victims from day one and never stopped ever since. By far, the party has raised approximately RM 1 million for the flood victims and is calling for more volunteers. Click here to register as a volunteer or to donate.     

#2 The Hope Branch

(Image credit to the Vulcan Post)

Run by a benevolent couple, Harith Iskandar and his wife Dr. Jezamine Lim together with the volunteers are trying their best to rescue stranded victims from all flood-affected areas. Right now, they are looking for volunteers and monetary donations to support the affected, especially for babies and mommies. Head here to make any donations or volunteer during these testing times.

#3 MyCare

(Image credit to MyCARE)

MyCare is another non-profit organization that immediately went to the scene of devastation to help those who are stuck in their homes due to floods. They are also providing temporary shelters and fresh water in flood-stricken regions. Currently, they are calling out for all Malaysians to aid the affected by donating whatever they can. Here’s the link for you to help the needy.

#5 MERCY Malaysia

(Image credit to MERCY Malaysia)

MERCY Malaysia is gearing up to undertake essential support and activities, helping affected communities around the country. If you wish to support MERCY Malaysia Flood Relief and the Recovery, please donate to MERCY Humanitarian Fund Maybank: 5621 7950 4126 or simply visit their website. The funds raised will be used to address important needs like medical assistance, hygiene supplies, food assistance, and other relief items.

#6 Kembara Kitchen

(Image credit to the New Straits Times)

Rescuers from Kembara kitchen have been evacuating victims at Sri Muda and until now they are helping as much as they could despite being a charity that mainly focuses on food distribution. Everything which leaves Kembara is given free, supported by all the kind public donations, cooked & packed lovingly by volunteers. If you are one of the evacuees who have nowhere to go, their doors are always open for you to take shower, have some hot food and drinks. Let’s support them by donating at Kembara Kitchen| CIMB Bank: 860 2542 231 (reference: FloodAid). 

#7 Malaysian Red Crescent Society

(Image credit to the New Straits Times)

Not only humans, but they are also in the mission of rescuing affected furry kids and providing a sanctuary for them. They have been giving free medical aids and hygiene items for women and children, and if you would like to be a part of them then please feel free to make your contributions here.

#8 Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya

(Image credit to the Star)

No matter Malay, Chinese, Indians, and others, all Malaysians wore scarfs on their heads and took off their slippers to cook hot meals in the kitchen of Gurdwara Sahib, a Sikh place of worship at Petaling Jaya. Food Panda and Grab food riders together with 4X4 vehicle owners are transporting food to victims that could not be reached easily. They have even activated a flood helpline for the affected to call (+60102174556).

Here are some other organizations that you could contact during in times of need or if you wish to lend a helping hand:

• Pink Flag
• Selangor Library
• Great Heart Charity
• Malaysian Relief Agency

(Image credit to the Star)

Fellow Malaysians, it’s very important for us to help each other during times of need. Most importantly, pregnant women, babies, and the elderly would need our all to go through this hardship. Hence, let’s all come together as a #KeluargaMalaysia and strive to #kitajagakita.