Prenatal vitamins

Did you know that for every 100,000 births, 24 women in the United States die in childbirth?  In Haiti, that number jumps up to 300 for every 100,000.  There are many causes for maternal mortality, but it is believed, especially in developing countries like Haiti, that severe anemia in pregnancy increases the risk of maternal death in childbirth.  In Haiti, that is a problem because almost everyone we see in the clinics are anemic.  Red meat and leafy greens (a great source of iron) are not easily accessible and their food shortage negatively impacts the situation.  For pregnant women who need a higher daily dose of iron, their bodies are compromised when these food sources are not available.  In most developed countries, like the U.S., prenatal vitamins are prescribed because it is difficult to get all the needed nutrients from food alone.  These vitamins help supplement a well balanced diet.  So in Haiti, where many are anemic due to lack of proper foods, pregnant women are in desperate need of help.  Literally, their lives depend on it.  That is why myself and several other volunteers spent this past Wednesday and Thursday packing prenatal vitamins into little baggies that will be distributed to 200 pregnant women in Thomazeau.  Our Haitian team will evaluate, educate and give prenatal vitamins to these women on a weekly basis.  This first step in developing a program to decrease maternal mortality and increase health and vitality to both mother and child is very important.  It is a very exciting time and we look forward to sharing the results over the next year.  Please continue to pray for the Haitian team that is working with this group of women and pray for wisdom on our part.  Blessings!  Suzan

Widdy talking about the importance of prenatal vitamins

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