Gaza mothers seek support to breastfeed amid war

Twice a week, Eman Huneidq leaves her tent in western Deir el-Balah, bringing her nine-month-old daughter Ward to the Hikr al-Jame’ Health Center for breastfeeding counseling sessions. Her journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood during the war has been fraught with hardship.

Eman, 38, a mother of three, suffers from diabetes and a blood clotting disorder. “I hadn’t had a child for 14 years because of my health condition, so this pregnancy was especially difficult for me,” she says. She discovered she was pregnant at five months, while living in northern Gaza before being forced to flee south to the center to escape the war.

Poor nutrition and limited access to health care made the pregnancy harder. Ward was born prematurely and spent 10 days in the hospital. After birth, Eman struggled with breastfeeding, suffering cracked nipples that caused severe pain, and had to resort to formula—which is expensive and requires clean water to prepare. “I couldn’t find the right cream due to Israel’s import restrictions,” she says.

In this context, the Mother and Child Center at Hikr al-Jame’ has become a lifeline. Sabreen al-Buhaisi, nursing manager and breastfeeding counselor, says the center supports around 400–500 women each month. “Loss, displacement, economic pressure all affect breastfeeding. We don’t just counsel the mother; we work with the whole family to create the best support,” she says.

Hiba al-Masri, 23, a mother of four, lost her third child when she was just 20 days old early in the conflict. Now she lives in a cramped tent with 15 relatives, trying to care for her three-month-old son Yusuf. “Sometimes you’re tired, there’s too much to do, but you still have to care for the baby,” she says. Despite the hardship, she has seen her son’s health improve thanks to the counseling sessions, adding: “Breast milk is a million times better than formula.”

Expert Iman Abu Ouda notes that many women find it difficult to reach the center due to lack of transportation and overcrowded tents. Some worry their bodies don’t produce enough milk because of psychological stress and poor nutrition. “The food shortage is still very severe. Some people have to use formula even though it’s very expensive and hard to find,” she says.

The center suggests cheaper alternatives like lentils and chickpeas, and provides supplemental food when available. They also coordinate with mental health teams to support women dealing with trauma and loss.

Still, living conditions outside remain a major challenge. Eman says that in the tent, water must be fetched in containers, dust covers everything, and insects and rodents are constant concerns. “The most important thing for children is hygiene and a clean space, but in the tent we don’t have that,” she says. She often sleeps beside her daughter Ward to keep watch. “We mothers can endure this situation, but what have the children done to deserve this?”