Someone once asked us why there are so many orphanages in Haiti. Haiti has many orphanages and many “restavek” children. When a poor mother is pregnant, she often listens to bad advice from some of the older ladies that believe in “old wives’ tales.” These young mothers have never had anyone teach them how to take care of themselves… they just listen to superstition and die.

One problem is that many young mothers drink a “tea” to speed up the delivery. This “tea” is made from peanut skin, bitter ginger, egg skin, and several other items. The tea will make their blood pressure go up. Many pregnant women have lost their lives because of this “tea.” We have even sent our “midwives” up the mountains to teach the young women what happens when they drink this tea. It will cause horrible pain and they will die and probably lose the baby.

Today, at our Birthing Center, we had three babies born, healthy, with healthy mothers. Our dear friends make and send special “Birthing Kits” to these poor mothers, and this is such a great gift. Inside are baby blankets, diapers, safety pins, a small Birthing Kit, “booties,” a head bonnet, etc. They get the BEST of care… experienced doctors and midwives, sonograms, medicine, a beautiful birthing room, a beautiful recovery room, and food. And what’s more, if they come from the mountains and their relative must stay with them, we have little “rooms” for them to stay.

We are so grateful to our partners who make all this possible.

Sherry