Dear Friends,
For the past decade, I have cared for women and babies in all kinds of settings. I have attended births in big cities and small towns, huge university hospitals, small community hospitals, birth centers, and so many homes-- big homes, small homes, rural farmhouses and Chicago high rises. I have learned so much from every woman I've cared for and every birth I've attended, and I'm planning to take this wisdom with me as I move on to the next step of my midwifery career.
Many of you know I traveled to Africa earlier this year, visiting Uganda and Kenya. Life has since taken many turns to provide me an opportunity to volunteer my services as a midwife in Uganda this coming year, and I will be leaving my job in Chicago and heading there this February. I'm not just going to catch babies but am going to support local midwives through providing training, helping run their clinics, and identifying ways to improve maternity care in communities that are largely underserved. My work will focus more on teaching, supporting and empowering rather than being a mere band-aid for a limited system.
Unlike larger organizations (like Peace Corps and Doctors Without Borders) that are able to cover expenses for volunteers' work, travel and logistical expenses, the organizations I will be working with are both small, independent, non-government and non-profit organizations that rely on donors and volunteers for much of their funding. Most of their funds go directly to providing safe care for the women and babies they serve. In a part of the world where many mothers and babies still die from preventable causes during childbirth, basic resources can go a long way!
Check them out!
Mother Health International
Shanti Uganda
I understand that not everyone is in a position to donate, but if you would like to support these communities by supporting me to be there and also helping me purchase medical supplies to bring with me, I would be so grateful for any amount you choose to contribute.
Blessings this holiday season and in the coming year,
Amy
For the past decade, I have cared for women and babies in all kinds of settings. I have attended births in big cities and small towns, huge university hospitals, small community hospitals, birth centers, and so many homes-- big homes, small homes, rural farmhouses and Chicago high rises. I have learned so much from every woman I've cared for and every birth I've attended, and I'm planning to take this wisdom with me as I move on to the next step of my midwifery career.
Many of you know I traveled to Africa earlier this year, visiting Uganda and Kenya. Life has since taken many turns to provide me an opportunity to volunteer my services as a midwife in Uganda this coming year, and I will be leaving my job in Chicago and heading there this February. I'm not just going to catch babies but am going to support local midwives through providing training, helping run their clinics, and identifying ways to improve maternity care in communities that are largely underserved. My work will focus more on teaching, supporting and empowering rather than being a mere band-aid for a limited system.
Unlike larger organizations (like Peace Corps and Doctors Without Borders) that are able to cover expenses for volunteers' work, travel and logistical expenses, the organizations I will be working with are both small, independent, non-government and non-profit organizations that rely on donors and volunteers for much of their funding. Most of their funds go directly to providing safe care for the women and babies they serve. In a part of the world where many mothers and babies still die from preventable causes during childbirth, basic resources can go a long way!
Check them out!
Mother Health International
Shanti Uganda
I understand that not everyone is in a position to donate, but if you would like to support these communities by supporting me to be there and also helping me purchase medical supplies to bring with me, I would be so grateful for any amount you choose to contribute.
Blessings this holiday season and in the coming year,
Amy