It has been confirmed that the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne virus linked to microcephaly in babies born to mothers who have been infected with Zika, is present in Haiti. According to the CDC, “About one in five people infected with Zika virus will develop symptoms, which include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis
STORIES FROM HAITI
MIDWIVES FOR HAITI BLOG
A MIDWIFE IN HAITI: GENETTE THELESMOND
We recently sat down with Genette Thelusmond, Class 3 graduate and MFH teacher, in her home to hear about her life as a midwife in Haiti. The following are excerpts of our conversation. MFH: Tell me about yourself. Why did you want to be a midwife? GT: I’m the 2nd of 8 children
Midwives in the Making
Three months into their year long training, we caught up with Imene, Judith, and Vadley, all students in our current 8th Class of skilled birth attendants. This trio studied together at the same four year nursing program in Port-au-Prince. All three women were called to midwifery during their nursing training and
MATWONS: LAUGHTER + LEARNING LIFE SAVING SKILLS (PHOTOS)
Traditional birth attendants catch about 75% of babies born in Haiti. These are wise men and women who have often received the knowledge from their elders or family members. They are highly respected community leaders and care deeply about the mothers they help during childbirth. Most have also never had any formal training in safe
A LETTER TO CARRIE
Dear Carrie, I will think of you a lot this week while we are in Haiti. The events of the week will be familiar to you. Right now, it is 5 a.m. Watching the sunrise over the banana trees is one of the most peaceful moments of the day. There
SPOTLIGHT: OVENA INNOCENT ST FLEUR, GRADUATE
We recently visited some of our graduates who work at Mama Baby Haiti in Cap Haitien. Mama Baby Haiti is a free standing birth center that provides delivery services to about 40 mothers a month and 30-40 prenatal visits per day. While we were there, we spoke with Ovena Innocent St
GET IT WHILE IT’S HOT: “100 Under $100” Book Available!
100 Under $100 is an informative resource for empowering women worldwide. Midwives For Haiti is mentioned and a few photos by our friend, Cheryl Hanna-Truscott, are featured. But that’s not the only reason you should consider buying it! From their website: “100 Under $100 explains, in easily understood prose, the challenges faced
Tribute To My Daughter Carrie
Spoken (and published with permission) by Edwin Wortham V Memorial Service: September 11, 2015 There are few events in this world that in the blink of an eye can bring monumental change in a person’s life forever…one’s heart, one’s soul, and their whole being, where life will never ever
Spotlight: Guillet Enelus, Graudate + Hospital Staff
To ensure access to 24/7 maternity care at Hospital Ste. Therese, the public referral hospital in the Central Plateau of Haiti, Midwives For Haiti recently hired two new staff members (taking our total paid staff at the hospital to 16). The following interview is with Guillet Enelus, skilled attendant and graduate of
REST IN PEACE, CARRIE. WE LOVE YOU.
On Saturday September 5th Midwives For Haiti lost one of our most beloved members. Carrie Wortham was taken from us when she was struck by a car while riding her bike in Hanover County, Virginia. Carrie was 26 years old. For 2 years Carrie devoted herself to our mission, first as our in-country