In the shadow of Operation Rising Lion (Am Ka’Lavi), Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem expressed their appreciation to mothers giving birth during wartime in a special way. Babies born in the protected space delivery rooms received onesies printed with the message: “I have a lioness mom.”
Giving Birth in a Protected Space
Due to the security situation, the delivery rooms were moved to a protected area. Ruti, who has already given birth five times at Shaare Zedek, gave birth a few days ago for the sixth time — in the protected space delivery rooms.
“I was a bit anxious about what it would be like to give birth not in the delivery rooms I know so well. We arrived in the morning and saw that the area was very well organized. The birth went quickly, the midwives were, as always, amazing, and we had an excellent experience,” she shared.
Following the start of Operation Rising Lion Professor Ofer Marin, Director of Shaare Zedek, said: “A week before the war, Shaare Zedek passed the emergency preparedness inspection with excellence. We did not think we would move from drill to real-life situation so quickly. We are prepared to respond to any scenario, thanks to proper preparation and our dedicated staff.”
Shortage of Breast Milk Due to the War: The Health Ministry’s Special Appeal
Due to the ongoing war and Operation Am K’Lavi, there is a need for breast milk donations for preemies and infants. The Ministry has asked anyone who has a nursing baby developing in a healthy and stable way — a “thriving breastfed baby,” — to freeze at least 2.5 liters of milk and contact the milk bank team. (You can reach out via WhatsApp at 052-6344101, or by email at: [email protected].)
Donation Through the Milk Bank
The Health Ministry emphasizes that it’s important to donate through the national milk bank and not privately, since at the milk bank, donors undergo blood tests, lifestyle is reviewed via questionnaires, and the milk is tested for infection markers, and the milk is pasteurized to prevent infections and transferred through a supervised chain.
Breast milk can save the lives of premature and medically vulnerable infants when their biological mother’s milk is not available. For these babies, the milk is not only an ideal source of nutrition, but also a unique form of nourishment that helps improve their medical condition. The milk contains vital components that strengthen the immune system, support brain development, and enable optimal growth.
Breast milk is the exclusive way babies receive a wide array of essential elements such as antibodies, hormones, growth factors, white blood cells, stem cells, and more — all found only in breast milk.
Despite the processing it undergoes, milk from the milk bank is still a recommended source of nourishment when the biological mother’s milk is unavailable, as it still contains a range of active human components.
