Breastfeeding in Gaza: Mothers seek help to provide for their babies

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports from Deir el-Balah in the Gaza Strip on the pressures facing breastfeeding mothers living through war, displacement and widespread food shortages. The article focuses on women who visit the Mother and Child Corner at Hikr al-Jame’ Health Centre for guidance and support as they try to feed infants while coping with poor nutrition, stress, crowded shelters and limited access to healthcare.

One mother, Eman Huneidq, 38, travels to the clinic twice a week with her nine-month-old daughter after a difficult pregnancy and birth. She told Al Jazeera that displacement, health complications and shortages of formula, clean water and suitable medical supplies made breastfeeding difficult, though the sessions have helped her continue. Another mother, Hiba al-Masri, 23, described trying to breastfeed her son in a crowded tent while caring for other children and grieving the loss of a previous baby during the conflict.

Clinic staff say they support hundreds of women each month and work not only with mothers but also with family members, offering practical advice, nutritional guidance and mental health support. According to the report, many women struggle to reach care because transport is scarce and expensive, while some believe hunger or psychological strain means they cannot breastfeed. The centre encourages cheaper food options when available and tries to provide a safe space amid continuing instability in Gaza.

The piece highlights breastfeeding as both a health issue and a reflection of the broader humanitarian crisis, showing how families are trying to protect infants under extreme conditions.