During my research on postpartum depression, I shared a study questionnaire in late May on my medical Instagram page, asking whether any of my followers who had given birth in the six weeks prior would participate.
I received a response from a woman called Hiba.
“And what about someone whose due date is approaching? My mental state is zero, I’m devastated, very scared, and my family is not with me, they are still in northern Gaza. What should I do?”
I tried to reassure her and replied that she shouldn’t worry, that I would be there for her during her delivery and that the International Medical Corps (IMC) field hospital, which had relocated to the Mawasi area of Rafah in April, where I understood Hiba had sought shelter, was still operational.
“I have left Rafah after the barracks — where I had taken refuge — were bombed,” Hiba replied, however.
She added that the Emirati hospital was out of service, and she feared giving birth under such risky conditions. ….more
