Safe Beginnings for Mothers and Babies
Justine is holding her daughter, Beatrice, today because she had access to the supplies needed for a safe delivery.
Several months ago, our team in Kamuli, Uganda, learned that Justine was preparing to give birth without the basic materials required by the clinic. Like many young mothers living in poverty, she simply could not afford them.
But because support was available, everything changed.
Today, Beatrice is here. Healthy. Safe. Loved.
A healthy beginning can make a lasting difference for mothers, babies, and families.
Recently, our team members Hilda, Betty, and Lucy began noticing more and more young expectant mothers facing the same fear Justine once carried.
Mothers were arriving anxious and overwhelmed because they did not have the supplies required for childbirth.
In many rural clinics and hospitals in Uganda, mothers are expected to bring everything needed for delivery themselves, including towels, sterile gloves, cord-cutting supplies, sanitary pads, baby blankets, and other essentials.
For many young women, these simple but life-saving supplies are out of reach.
Nurse Lucy shared that without these materials, deliveries can quickly become dangerous for both mother and baby.
And when a mother dies in childbirth, families are devastated. Babies and children are often left without the care and stability they need to thrive.
That is why our team created the Safe Beginnings Program and campaign.
For just $22, a young mother receives a birth kit along with pre- and post-delivery education focused on infant nutrition and maternal health. Our goal is to support 200 mothers this year in Kamuli.
For just $22, a young mother receives a birth kit along with pre- and post-delivery education focused on infant nutrition and maternal health. Our goal is to support 200 mothers this year in Kamuli.
You can view the Safe Beginnings campaign here.
What makes me especially proud is that this program came directly from our local team.
Hilda, Betty, Lucy, and Aminsi saw a growing need in their community and immediately began taking action. They went out to meet expectant mothers, gather information, learn due dates, and identify those most in need of support. They will also be collecting follow-up data on the effectiveness of the program.
This work is deeply local, deeply personal, and deeply rooted in care.
And this week, something beautiful happened here, too.
Our newest board member, Lindsay, introduced us to a new business called Nest & Gather. Even though they had just opened their doors, owner Demi immediately said yes to partnering with us because this mission mattered deeply to them.
Together, we launched a joint campaign, and already, 5 birth kits have been funded for expectant mothers!
It is a powerful reminder that people from many different communities and walks of life can come together to create safe beginnings for mothers and babies like Justine and Beatrice, half a world away!
With Gratitude,
Mary
P.S.- We are incredibly grateful for every person helping share and support Safe Beginnings already. And a special thank you to Nest & Gather for partnering with us to help more mothers and babies begin safely. They are located near Middlebury, Vermont.
