A Virtual Lifeline: Social Media and the Mobilization of Human Milk During Armed Conflict

Human milk is the optimal infant nutrition, but emergencies can disrupt breastfeeding. When maternal breastfeeding is compromised, informal human milk-sharing offers a solution. This practice has expanded due to increased awareness of human milk benefits, formal limitations of milk banks, and facilitation through digital platforms. Social media enables rapid network coordination. However, informal milk-sharing faces policy gaps. Research on milk-sharing dynamics during acute armed conflict, particularly when formal institutional resources are constrained, remains limited.

This study addresses the research gap by examining how grassroots digital networks facilitate emergency milk-sharing during armed conflict.

This qualitative case study examined communication, coordination, and support patterns within three Israeli Facebook groups related to milk-sharing during the October 2023 armed conflict. Data included all relevant original posts and associated interactions from 1 month before to 1 month after conflict onset. Analysis involved comparative temporal assessment and reflective thematic analysis.

Analysis revealed nearly double the posting activity post-conflict. Two primary themes emerged: (1) Recipients' Needs (general necessities, milk-sharing requests, information sharing) and (2) Donor Motivation (non-war-related, war-related, active promotion, logistical support). Findings highlighted unique demands for milk due to maternal injury or absence, alongside robust community-led efforts.

This study highlights the vital role of social media-based milk-sharing networks in ensuring infant nutrition security during armed conflict. It shows a sophisticated, adaptable community response utilizing digital platforms for comprehensive support. Findings expand Social Support Theory, emphasizing the need to incorporate such grassroots digital solutions into emergency plans while addressing safety concerns.