BIRTHING CENTER

Haiti’s mortality rate for women giving birth continues to be at an unacceptable level. The best estimates suggest that some 1700 women and girls die every year as a result of pregnancy related complications. Approximately another 34,000 women and girls suffer injuries and disabilities during pregnancy and childbirth each year. To combat this tragedy, the Little Sisters of the Incarnation have opened the LaRoche Haven for Mothers and Babies. This is a Center for Hospitality and Maternity Care for the women of the Central Plateau of Haiti. This facility is equipped with basic life saving equipment as well as some preventative tools to identify high risk mothers and babies and to provide appropriate care for them.

Many of the poorest women in Haiti do not give birth in an environment that is basically clean. Distance and lack of transportation may prevent them from travelling to the maternity center. Many deliveries happen on the dirt floor of their homes and are unattended by a medical professional. One of the means that the Little Sisters use as a way to aid in these situations is to provide “Mid-Wife Kits” to expectant mothers. These kits provide basic essentials so that prospective mothers who cannot make it to the birthing center can still maintain cleanliness and care for their newborn children.

If you would like to prepare Mid-Wife Kits to send to Haiti, follow these directions: (Please gather these new or gently used items)

• 2 – 8inch pieces of ¼ twill tape for cord ties
• 1 new razor blade (single edge, safety wrapped)
• 1 regular size bath towel (thinner rather than thicker)
• 1- 36 inch piece of muslin or sheeting
• 2 disposable pads (those used for incontinent patients)
• 1 thin wash cloth
• 1 bath size bar of Ivory soap
• 1 small purse size container of germicidal hand wash
• 1 newborn stocking cap (jersey, not knitted or crocheted)
• 1 small cotton-blend/flannel shirt to waist only (infants in Haiti do not wear diapers)
• 1 receiving blanket (not fleece)
• 2 pair plastic/latex gloves (no kitchen gloves)

Place cord ties and razor blade into a small Ziploc bag. Wrap everything inside the bath towel. Place it into a 2-gallon Ziploc bag. Squeeze the air out and seal it.