Breastfeeding in the shadow of war: a qualitative study on the experiences of Palestinian women

Armed conflict and protracted humanitarian crises profoundly affect maternal and infant health, rendering breastfeeding practices particularly vulnerable. While the existing literature largely focuses on breastfeeding rates and nutritional outcomes in conflict settings, limited attention has been given to how women experience, sustain, and make sense of breastfeeding under such conditions of violence, deprivation and displacement. This study aimed to investigate mothers' breastfeeding experiences during the Gaza War (2023-2025) within the framework of the Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E) standards.

This qualitative study employed a phenomenological design. Sixteen forcibly displaced mothers who were actively breastfeeding during the 2023-2025 Gaza War were included using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in Arabic via online platforms. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis approach, with independent coding by three researchers and consensus agreement.

Five main themes were identified: (1) structural conditions of war, (2) psychological reflections of breastfeeding under war conditions, (3) physical health problems and living conditions, (4) coping and resistance mechanisms, and (5) lack of psychological and humanitarian aid. Findings indicate that chronic hunger, forced displacement, unsafe shelter conditions, and intense trauma structurally undermine breastfeeding. Mothers have experienced breastfeeding more intensely as a multidimensional tool for nutrition, soothing the baby, establishing physical closeness, providing emotional regulation, and maintaining the mother-baby attachment.

This study demonstrates that protecting and supporting breastfeeding is not an option for assistance, but a non-negotiable humanitarian obligation. The example of Gaza highlights the urgency of implementing standards, integrating breastfeeding services with mental health and psychosocial support systems, and treating breastfeeding as a priority life-saving intervention in conflict settings.

Not applicable. This study did not involve a healthcare intervention and therefore did not require clinical trial registration.