Hey friends, it’s been a couple of months since Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico, leaving behind a trail of destruction that has left millions without power, food, or basic necessities. As the island slowly begins to recover, reports indicate that about half of Puerto Rico’s power grid remains down, meaning many families are still struggling without electricity.
Amidst all this chaos, a particular group facing incredible hardships is the moms and their little ones. According to a recent article from VICE, maternity wards on the island are still running low on resources, making it challenging for women to reach their healthcare providers. The situation is dire, with limited food availability and 20% of families lacking access to clean drinking water. On top of that, many expectant moms are hesitant to travel due to the fear of Zika-carrying mosquitoes that have been spotted since the flooding.
As a result, many women are finding themselves giving birth at home, often alone, particularly in poorer, rural areas. It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it? “The system is just overwhelmed. The doctor-to-patient ratio is too high,” notes Sarah Greene, an OB-GYN working with Circle of Health International, an organization dedicated to maternal health in crisis zones.
Sarah conducted a recent review of Puerto Rico’s maternity care system and expressed concern about the living conditions for pregnant women. Many are without food, clean water, or even enough money to get to appointments. Former public health dean, Carlos Rivera, also shared his worries. He highlighted that the extreme stress these expecting moms are experiencing could lead to a rise in premature births. “We know that disasters create an incredibly stressful environment, and we’re keeping an eye on this,” he said.
It’s truly devastating to think about these mothers and their precious babies facing such challenges. As a fellow mom, it stirs something deep inside me to want to help out. So, what can we do?
Circle of Health has already donated over 4,000 pounds of maternal health supplies to support healthcare providers in Puerto Rico, which is fantastic! If you’re interested in helping, consider donating to them here. Expecting mothers who can’t make it to hospitals are increasingly relying on midwives. As VICE points out, midwives can be vital first responders during natural disasters since they’re trained to work with limited resources and manage stress and trauma effectively.
One grassroots organization, Mujeres Ayudando Madres, or Centro MAM, has been sending midwives out to assist families for free. They’re helping with home births, breastfeeding support (which can be super helpful to avoid formula made with unsafe water), Zika prevention education, and basic maternity care. You can learn more and support their efforts here.
Additionally, two aspiring midwives from the Pacific Northwest, Jenna Martinez and Lily Chen, are taking action by raising funds to send supplies directly to Puerto Rican midwives. “The lack of open hospitals and the migration of OB & GYNs to the mainland have made it tough for expectant families to access care,” Jenna explains. They’ve raised nearly $2,000 so far, but more is needed. They’re asking for basics like clean water and mosquito protection, as well as health care supplies.
Jenna also highlights a group called Help Puerto Rico, which is a collective of volunteers making trips to deliver relief items to marginalized communities, including midwives. They’ve raised over $25,000 recently, but the need is still significant.
The silver lining amidst this crisis is the outpouring of compassion from people stepping up to support the families in need. We can’t forget about Puerto Rico; the crisis isn’t over, and the islanders will need our support for a long time as they rebuild their lives.
If you’re considering starting a family, check out Make a Mom for resources on home insemination, including their re-usable options and how it works. If you’re looking to boost your fertility, don’t forget to check out their fertility supplements. For those interested in at-home insemination kits, Cryobaby is a trusted name in this area. And for more information about pregnancy, visit NICHD.
In summary, Puerto Rico is still facing a maternity care crisis in the wake of Hurricane Maria, with many mothers struggling to access the care they need. However, there are organizations and individuals stepping up to provide support and resources. We can all play a part in helping these communities by donating, raising awareness, and staying engaged.
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