Newborn Kits
Happy Day!
The birth of a baby is one of the happiest of days - a day to celebrate. But for too many women around the world, pregnancy and the anticipation of childbirth is frightening. The World Heath Organization’s most recent report estimates that in 2020, some 287,000 women died from complications during and following pregnancy and childbirth. Almost 95% of those deaths occurred in low- and lower-middle income countries like those where GHM partners, and most of those deaths could have been prevented. Simple access to a skilled nurse or midwife during pregnancy can mean the difference between life and death for a mom and her baby.
GHM Newborn Kits are gifts that help a new mom celebrate her baby, and clothe and care for her child. Importantly, they are also used by GHM’s partners to encourage women to seek prenatal care during pregnancy, greatly improving their chances for healthy, happy outcomes. Once that connection is made, these moms are also more likely to return for vaccinations and well-baby checks that can help a newborn thrive.
Many people also knit, crochet or sew baby hats and baby blankets for GHM to send overseas. These are sent both in Newborn Kits and also separately to mission hospitals and clinics who request them for their pediatric wards.
It was hard to tell who was more delighted - Rosella, or Dr. Sahondra, CEO of the Lutheran healthcare system in Madagascar -when they had the opportunity to greet each other. GHM Newborn Kits are valued by the 50 health facilities that Sahondra is responsible for - they help encourage women to visit their facilities during their pregnancies.
Rosella orchestrated a network of people to help her make Newborn Kits for GHM. Some knit baby hats, others collected and dropped off items at her house, someone at the local grocery store saved a certain kind of box she liked for shipping. Her nieces even gave her newborn t-shirts for Christmas, knowing that’s what would warm her heart. Over time, Rosella and her friends sent more than 5,000 Newborn Kits to GHM! Rosella’s friends have continued the project, with Rosella cheering from the sidelines now.
GHM Newborn Kits create connections that count - with each other as we rally around a purpose and work together, with our sisters and brothers overseas, and connections for young women with health workers who can make all the difference for them and their families.
