By Ana Calvo Langdon | In the Field Program Intern
The following is an e-postcard from Ana Calvo Langdon, a GlobalGiving Representative in the Philippines.
...This is the first thing expectant moms hear when they enter Mercy In Action’s childbirth clinic. A midwife with a huge smile is ready to give them a tour. The “tour” (that Sandra and I experienced) starts with a video about pregnancy, including doubts that a prospective mum may have, and ends with a tour of the bright, friendly facilities. The goal is to support natural, safe childbirth, enhancing the relationship between the mom and the newborn.
During our visit, we chatted with a midwife who told us: “My favorite part of work is the moment of childbirth because at that time the mothers are already my friends. When they come to the clinic shy and fearful I tell them that we are going to take care of them and everything is going to be ok”. The relationship between the moms and the clinic does not finish after labor. The midwives do home visits and the new moms and babies come for check-ups and postnatal care “lessons”. We met a mom returning for her 6 week check-up and after the exam Mercy In Action gave the mom a picture they took of her baby when she was born.“It is a moment of celebration and for some of them it’s the only picture that they will have of their babies”.
During our visit, we also learned that Mercy In Action provides trainings to birth centers all over the world so they can replicate its model. Vicky, the founder of the clinic, said “We are happy that clinics based on our model are opening around the world. This is saving lives.” Vicky, actually, came to the Philippines 22 years ago on a visit but she never left. She not only opened the clinic, but also serves the local community by training midwives and providing housing for expectant mothers about to give birth.
Sandra and I were blown away of the amazing clinic, the friendly environment, and the dedicated staff. When I start a family, I hope to be surrounded by a community as loving as Mercy In Action.
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