As Operation Roaring Lion intensifies and uncertainty deepens across Israel’s northern communities, Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) is once again stepping forward to women navigating pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood in extraordinary circumstances.
A new mother after giving birth at Rambam. Photography: Rambam HCC.
Pregnant women and new mothers are among those most affected during a time of instability and uncertainty. Many are grappling with difficult questions about safety, access to care, and the emotional weight of bringing a child into the world during wartime. To meet this growing need, Rambam’s psychology service has launched a dedicated emotional support hotline operated by licensed psychologists who specialize in maternal well‑being.
“Pregnancy and the postpartum period are sensitive times even in the best of situations,” says Ira Ashkenazi-Gertman, lead clinical psychologist at the Maayan Clinic, which provides emotional support for women experiencing challenges throughout the female life cycle. “The current security situation amplifies every concern. Women are calling with fears about giving birth under emergency conditions, the uncertainty of entering the underground facilities, and the pressures of caring for a newborn while managing tension, lack of sleep, and the needs of other children.”
According to Ashkenazi-Gertman, the hotline is already proving essential. Women are seeking not only practical guidance but also emotional reassurance at a time when leaving home for treatment is often impossible. “These feelings are understandable, and no woman should face them alone. By offering immediate, accessible support, we can help them regain stability and determine when additional care may be needed,” she explains.
Ashkenazi-Gertman stresses that caring for oneself, staying connected, and seeking help when needed are essential, and that Rambam’s team is here to provide support. She continues, “Expectant and new mothers need reinforcement, breathing room, conversation, validation of their difficulties, and an outlet. Given the current security situation, these women are unlikely to leave their homes to receive in person care, or even to begin a therapeutic process at all. In this space, we can offer an initial response, and if we identify a need for continued support, we determine what can be done for them.”
The new hotline underscores Rambam’s vital role as a strategic asset for the health of the residents of Northern Israel. From the Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital to comprehensive support for healthcare teams and vulnerable patients, Rambam continues to respond swiftly and compassionately to the needs of the region, ensuring care remains accessible when it is needed most.
