Maternal and Child Health

Above: Kissairis Rodriguez (left) proudly wears her "Madre Tutelar" vest as she pays a visit to

one of the young girls she mentors as a Resource Mother.

In light of today's New York Times article, "Saving the World's Women" I thought I would share with you a first hand account of how Physicians for Peace maternal and child health programs are healing and empowering women around the world. It is the story of Kissairis Rodriguez, a young woman in the Dominican Republic who evolved from a scared teenage mother, trying to make a life for herself and her child in the barrios of Santo Domingo, into a mentor for other young mothers living in poverty...

 

"When I was 15 years old I got pregnant and had my baby at the age of 16. When I find out I was pregnant, I felt that the world was coming apart. I experienced all the difficulties and dilemmas of being a pregnant teenager. Four years ago, when leaders of my community talked to me about a program for pregnant adolescents, and invited me to attend a meeting, I went to the maternity hospital and received all the information about the Resources Mothers Program. I got very excited thinking about the possibility of being a part of it, because I knew there were other pregnant teens out there, and I wanted to be sure they could receive the help they needed. I was selected and trained by the Physicians for Peace staff, who offered me employment as a "Resource Mother."

 

As Resources Mothers, we are part of our barrios - we live there and  share our clients’ needs. Thanks to our training we can help young women keep away from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco - things so common in our community. We help them take care of themselves during their pregnancy, accompany them to prenatal check ups, and visit their homes, advising them and their families on how to have a healthy pregnancy.  We also advise them how to eat well, even when there is so little to eat.  We teach them how to nourish not just their bodies, but also their souls, so they can deal with all their worries and fears. 

 

My experience as a Resource Mother has inspired me to go to the School of Medicine, and in a few years I will become a doctor. I am grateful to God and to Physicians for Peace for the opportunity to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel, but most of all for the opportunity to become a better human being."

Kissairis' story shows how women around the world are making a difference in their own communities. Global health organizations are realizing that supporting maternal and child health programs is the most effective use of their resources. Physicians for Peace is part of this movement. Please help us to empower mothers in poverty with our Resource Mothers Program, Midwifery Training Program, VVF Surgery Program, and Prenatal Lifesaving Program. 

Donate Here or visit our web site to learn more. 

Thank you for your support!