A Tragic Loss In Haiti: Mother & Midwife Student - Midwives For Haiti

A Tragic Loss In Haiti: Mother & Midwife Student

Friends-

 

It is with a heavy heart that we share this tragic news. Last night, one of our students, Guerline Adeka, 36, passed away from complications of childbirth.

 

Guerline was born on September 4, 1981, in Port-Margot, Haiti. She was a registered nurse and joined our 9th class from Cap Haitien. She lived with our house manager, Manno, here in Hinche during the school year and was sponsored by an organization. She was a bright student and excelled in her studies. Last week, Guerline gave birth to her first child, a daughter, via cesarean section. She was thrilled to become a mother.

 

We provided postpartum care to Guerline and her baby in her home throughout the week. Her blood pressure was slightly high and we recommended an increase of her BP medication and referred her back to the hospital. Guerline came to her final exam yesterday and was the first to finish. She felt fine but was anxious to return home to feed her baby. She was rushed to the hospital last night after complaining that she couldn’t breathe. Despite the best efforts of the staff to save her life, she died.

 

There are no words to describe this pain and grief. Every maternal death is a tragedy but to lose one of our own students is a dagger through the heart.

 

These photos were taken of Guerline this week at a postpartum home visit. She insisted on wearing her purple class shirt for a photo. She was so proud to graduate this weekend and serve the women of her country.

 

Photos: Cheryl Hanna- Truscott

On Sunday, we will graduate 31 students instead of 32. Guerline will be heavy in our minds and forever in our hearts.

 

Yours gratefully,
Midwives For Haiti

 

 

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