Breastfeeding in Gaza: Mothers Seek Help to Provide for Their Babies

In the midst of war-torn Gaza, where displacement, hunger, and stress are daily realities for mothers like Eman Huneidq and Hiba al-Masri, breastfeeding has become an unexpected challenge. The struggles these women face in feeding their babies go beyond access to formula or medical care; they are deeply rooted in the fabric of their lives.

The Mother and Child Corner at Hikr al-Jame’ Health Centre is a beacon of hope for these mothers, providing a safe space where they can receive guidance on breastfeeding and nutrition. Despite its efforts, however, the team faces an uphill battle in addressing the misconceptions and myths that have taken hold among women about their ability to breastfeed under duress.

Iman Abu Ouda, a breastfeeding specialist at the centre, notes that many women believe their psychological state and lack of food are insurmountable barriers to breastfeeding. Yet, despite these obstacles, mothers continue to nurse their babies, often in conditions that would be unimaginable in any other context. This resilience is a testament to the strength of mothers in the face of adversity.

Breastfeeding rates in Gaza are alarmingly low. According to Abu Ouda, only a small fraction of women continue to breastfeed beyond six months due to the scarcity of resources and support. The stories behind these statistics are heart-wrenching – of mothers like Hiba al-Masri who have lost children during the war and yet continue to nurse their babies with the help of the centre.

The centre’s work goes beyond providing medical care; it seeks to address the social and economic realities that erode breastfeeding rates. By working with families, they aim to create a support network that recognizes the value of breastfeeding as a means not only of feeding children but also of bonding and nurturing them in the midst of chaos.

However, for all its efforts, the centre is fighting an uphill battle against a broader crisis rooted in Israeli policies and actions. The restrictions on imports into Gaza have left families struggling to access basic necessities like food and water, making breastfeeding even more precarious.

As the international community grapples with humanitarian crises like this one, it’s essential to recognize the intimate connection between conflict, displacement, and maternal health. Breastfeeding in Gaza is not just a matter of medical care or nutrition; it’s about creating spaces for mothers to nurture their children amidst trauma and loss.

The work at the Mother and Child Corner offers a glimmer of hope in this dark landscape. By supporting breastfeeding mothers and addressing the misconceptions that surround them, the centre is helping to restore dignity and resilience to women who have been shattered by war.