Healthcare for Pregnant Women in Nicaragua

Maribel*, 24, came to Clinica Verde in February of 2014 for her first prenatal appointment. She joined the pilot of Grupo de Bienestar Materno Infantil - our Prenatal Nutrition Program, where she worked with obstetrician Dr. Madellein Reyes, our Nutritionist Mary Flores and nurse Yazmina Diaz. 

Maribel worried that she wouldn't be able to come to Clinica Verde because of her lack of resources and the cost of transportation, so the staff supported her by providing transportation. She was an excellent member of our group, maintaining a great attitude throughout and meeting the appointments for all of her prenatal check-ups.

With her integration into the program, her state of health improved. She always arrived on time and carefully followed the suggestions of her medical team. As a single mother, Maribel's participation was challenging and she is extremely grateful for those who supported her so that she could learn to care for herself and her baby to create a foundation for long-term positive health.

On August 24, Maribel gave birth to a beautiful baby girl via cesarean section. The baby weighed 7.8 pounds and demonstrated normal vital signs. On September 4, Maribel visited Clinica Verde for her baby's first checkup. Thank you for supporting Maribel and her daughter, who we will continue to follow and monitor with love and compassion at Clinica Verde!

More about our Prenatal Nutrition Project ...

Clinica Verde's Prenatal Nutrition Project project uses interactive lectures, food-based approaches and socio-behavioral change curriculum to teach pregnant mothers about the stages of fetal development, ways to care for the health of their child in the womb and nutrition during the pre-natal, post-natal periods and the first five years of life. The program has the following goals:

• To reduce childhood malnutrition and nutrient deficiency (Goal: 80% of mothers can identify 3 symptoms of malnutrition or nutrient deficiency and 2 symptoms of over-nutrition

• To increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding (Goal: 70% of participants to practice exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months post-delivery)

• To increase knowledge of nutrition and bolster diet diversity (Goal: In final project survey, 90% of mothers can identify 3 nutrient-dense vegetables and health benefits, and a way to cook at home)

• To foster pride in pregnancy (Goal: 80% of mothers give correct responses to 2/3 fetal development questions during the final evaluation)

• To create a supportive community of pregnant mothers (Mothers meet together in a group at Clinica Verde weekly for the 10-week program)

• To increase interest in home gardening techniques and the bio-intensive method (Provide seeds to mothers and do home visits to aid and promote home gardening)

Our pilot showed great promise and we are now starting with our second group of mothers.

Many thanks for your continued support as we work to transform the long-term health of the community we serve.

Dear Wonderful Supporters:

At Clinica Verde, we just completed a pilot of our Maternal Infant Nutrition Program, a project using interactive lectures, food based approaches and socio-behavioral change curriculum to teach pregnant mothers about the stages of fetal development, and ways to care for the health of their child in the womb and nutrition during the pre-natal, post-natal periods and the first five years of life. There is substantial evidence that prenatal and under 5 nutrition impacts a person’s health and wellness over their entire life course. Education surrounding these topics is limited in the city of Boaco, Nicaragua, where Clinica Verde is located, and demand exists to repair the discrepancy. To address this, Clinica Verde initiated a 10-week pilot project for pregnant mothers to teach fetal development and maternal and child nutrition through presentations, interactive activities, use of our organic, bio-intensive demonstration garden and cooking demonstrations. We're thrilled by the promise and early feedback on this program and, with your help, hope to continue the work. Below, meet one of the mothers who engaged in the program.

Nuvea*, 20, recently discovered she was pregnant. She is now part of Clinica Verde's Maternal and Infant Group, and visits every Wednesday with other new mothers to learn about care and nutrition during pregnancy. Here is what Clinica Verde means to Nuvea: 

"Being a part of this group is an incredible experience. We did not come prepared to be mothers, but now I feel I'm ready to be one. Clinica Verde provides an education that you can't receive anywhere else around here. Now that I´ll be a mother, I have learned to love myself even more knowing that I have life inside. It gives me tranquility to know that Clinica Verde will be there when my baby is born and I can bring him here and entrust him to these people who treat me well and are so welcoming. I come here because I want the best for my son and somehow I already feel like a part of this place." 

Thanks for helping us provide this experience to Petronila and other mothers. We hope you will continue to follow our progress!

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In other news ...

Community outreach is a big part of our vision for health and hope at Clinica Verde, and this week our staff celebrated Day of the Child in the village of Paso de Lajas, located southeast of the city of Boaco. The village has a population of 300 people, including 50 families who attended our celebration. During the day we distributed vitamins to the children and painted their faces. It was a great time for staff and the community. Thank you for helping us do this work! 

With gratitude,

Susan

*Her name has been changed to protect her privacy.