Breastfeeding: Finding Confidence, Connection and a Better Start
As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week under the theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," World Vision continues to support mothers with the knowledge, care and encouragement they need to give their children the healthiest possible start in life.
Across the West Bank, ongoing conflict, movement restrictions and economic hardship continue to place immense pressure on families. For many mothers, these challenges are accompanied by stress, uncertainty and isolation during pregnancy and early motherhood. In these circumstances, the right support can make all the difference.
For Tharaa, a 22-year-old mother of two, becoming pregnant with her second child just two months after giving birth to her first was overwhelming. Unable to breastfeed her eldest son, she had relied on infant formula from his first day of life. The thought of caring for another baby while already struggling emotionally and financially left her anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead.
Everything began to change during her second pregnancy when she joined World Vision's Go Baby Go (GBG) programme and became part of a mother support group.
Surrounded by women experiencing similar challenges, Tharaa no longer felt she was facing motherhood alone. Sharing experiences, listening to other mothers and receiving encouragement from the group helped reduce her stress and gave her a sense of belonging at a time when she needed it most.
Alongside the social support, regular home visits and counselling sessions provided practical guidance and psychosocial support. Health staff helped Tharaa understand the emotional changes that can accompany pregnancy, prepare for the arrival of her second baby and build her confidence as a mother.
"Joining the mother support group changed the way I felt," Tharaa says. "I realised I wasn't alone. I found women who understood what I was going through, and that gave me the strength to believe that I could care for my second baby differently."
When her second son, was born, Tharaa chose to breastfeed exclusively.
With continued breastfeeding counselling and encouragement from the programme, she overcame her initial fears and quickly noticed the difference. Islam breastfed well, settled more easily and slept for longer periods, giving Tharaa precious time to rest while caring for two young children. Watching him grow and thrive reassured her that she was giving him the healthiest possible start in life.
Just as importantly, breastfeeding created a bond she had never experienced before.
"Breastfeeding brought us closer," she says. "I began to understand his needs without words. I felt connected to him in a way I hadn't experienced before, and that made me feel more confident as his mother."
Exclusive breastfeeding also eased the financial pressure on the family by removing the need to buy infant formula for her newborn at a time when every household expense mattered.
Looking back, Tharaa believes the greatest gift she received was not only learning how to breastfeed, but gaining the confidence to embrace her second pregnancy, trust herself and enjoy motherhood.
Tharaa's journey shows that successful breastfeeding begins long before a baby is born. By combining social support through mother groups, psychosocial support during pregnancy, and practical breastfeeding counselling, the Go Baby Go programme helps mothers feel supported, build confidence and create stronger bonds with their babies while improving children's health and wellbeing.
This World Breastfeeding Week, Tharaa's story reminds us that when mothers are surrounded by understanding, encouragement and the right information, they are better equipped to give their children the healthiest possible start in life. Strengthening what works means strengthening mothers, because when mothers thrive, children thrive too.