By Jenny Fox | Project Assistant
Dear Friends,
Our beloved founder of Mercy in Action, Vicki Penwell, has just released her book, Midwifing Mercy. Vicki shares the story of Mercy in Action and invites the reader into reimagining what can be possible when we serve with intention and selflessness. There is a whole chapter devoted to the why and how of our First 1,000 Days Program in the Philippines.
Vicki tells the story of Ceja, a baby born underweight at a Mercy in Action-sponsored clinic. The Mercy “Kasamas” (First 1,000 Days-trained health workers) supported her mother in successfully breastfeeding for her best start. Ceja had to be hospitalized for an infection when she was one year old, and was frail upon discharge. The continued care and support of the Mercy Kasamas empowered the family to build up Ceja’s physical strength and also supported them in optimizing her development. By the time she graduated from the program at age 2, she was strong and healthy. Without this focused care during her First 1,000 Days, Ceja’s story could have had a very different, sad ending.
Vicki also brings this concept into relevance for all midwives, everywhere. She says:
“Approximately the first three hundred days of a child’s life are within our purview as maternity providers….As midwives, we are in a powerful position to influence the remaining seven hundred days through our sharing of knowledge and encouragement….Every conversation we have with an expectant mother or new parent can remind them that they hold a unique and precious opportunity to give their child the best possible start in life, and this opportunity will never come again.”
You can read the whole chapter (and book!) by ordering at the link below.
We are grateful for your ongoing financial partnership that translates Vicki’s vision for the First 1,000 Days Program into reality for families in the Philippines. This program offers extra support for at-risk children like Ceja. Our First 1,000 Days program also helps families with children born with cleft lip and palate, offering nutritional support in the early months and making connections for surgical repair at the right time. Your giving makes all of this possible!
Blessings to you!
Jenny Fox, For the Mercy in Action Team
Links:
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