In the midst of displacement, hunger, and relentless conflict, breastfeeding mothers in Gaza are facing unprecedented challenges to ensure their infants' survival.
- Displaced mothers in Gaza face severe malnutrition and psychological trauma affecting breastfeeding.
- Specialized health centers provide a 'safe space' for nutritional and medical guidance.
- Extreme shortages of clean water and medical supplies exacerbate the crisis for infants.
In the early morning light of Deir el-Balah, 38-year-old Eman Huneidq leaves her makeshift tent, carrying her nine-month-old daughter, Ward. Her destination is the 'Mother and Child Corner' at the Hikr al-Jame’ Health Centre. For Eman, these bi-weekly sessions are not just medical appointments; they are a lifeline in a war-torn landscape where motherhood has become a battle for survival.
Eman’s journey has been marked by immense hardship. Suffering from diabetes and blood clotting conditions, her pregnancy was fraught with complications. Forced to flee from northern Gaza to the central region, the lack of consistent nutrition and healthcare meant her daughter Ward was born prematurely. The struggle to breastfeed was compounded by painful physical complications and a total lack of access to essential medical creams due to Israeli restrictions on imports.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has moved beyond immediate physical casualties to a secondary, long-term crisis: the nutritional stability of the next generation. When breastfeeding mothers cannot access adequate calories or clean water, the biological ability to sustain infants is compromised, leading to a cycle of malnutrition and increased infant mortality.
"Displacement, loss, death, and the economic conditions women are going through have all affected breastfeeding and women's understanding of it." — Sabreen al-Buhaisi, Nursing Manager.
Inside the clinic, Sabreen al-Buhaisi and her team of specialists provide support to between 400 and 500 women every month. The center serves as more than a medical facility; it is a 'safe space' where women can voice their fears away from the constant threat of airstrikes. Crucially, the center adopts a holistic approach, involving partners and relatives in counseling sessions to build a support network around the mother.
The tragedy of war is further echoed in the story of 23-year-old Hiba al-Masri. Having lost her third daughter during the early months of the conflict, Hiba now lives in a crowded tent with 15 family members. She struggles to find the privacy and physical energy required to breastfeed her three-month-old son, Yusuf, while simultaneously managing the needs of her other three children.
Barriers to Breastfeeding in Conflict Zones
| Barrier Category | Impact on Mothers/Infants |
|---|---|
| Nutritional | Reduced milk supply and maternal exhaustion |
| Environmental | Lack of privacy and hygiene in crowded displacement camps |
| Logistical | Scarcity of transportation and expensive medical supplies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How does psychological stress affect breastfeeding in Gaza?
Answer: Extreme stress and trauma can disrupt hormonal balances, making it physically more difficult for mothers to produce enough milk.
Question 2: What role do community kitchens play?
Answer: Many displaced families, including Eman's, rely heavily on community kitchens as they cannot afford market prices for meat or fresh produce.
