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During my time in naturopathic medical school, I became a birth doula and subsequently took many elective classes in midwifery and children's health. In order to further tailor my training to the developing world, where I intended to work in the future, I went to the Philippines to take this hands on midwifery course in Maternal and Children's health with Mercy In Action, an organization with a long time presence in the Philippines. For more information on the organization, see www.mercyinaction.com.
In the developing world, maternal and infant mortality is a huge problem and a major public health concern, affecting many families, especially those in rural areas and in areas of poverty. Medical care in general is often insufficient, unreachable, unaffordable (sometimes due to transportation costs, corruption etc.) or simply not available. Though this Mercy In Action training, a group of midwives, medical students and mothers living in the developing world took this hands on course to better learn how to support the births and health of mothers and babies specifically in areas of low resources. We also learned many practical skills and ways to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, common in the developing world.
In the developing world, maternal and infant mortality is a huge problem and a major public health concern, affecting many families, especially those in rural areas and in areas of poverty. Medical care in general is often insufficient, unreachable, unaffordable (sometimes due to transportation costs, corruption etc.) or simply not available. Though this Mercy In Action training, a group of midwives, medical students and mothers living in the developing world took this hands on course to better learn how to support the births and health of mothers and babies specifically in areas of low resources. We also learned many practical skills and ways to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, common in the developing world.
Olongopo, Philippines... January 2011
I am beginning one of many journeys this afternoon as I travel to the Philippines to take a course in maternal and children's health in the developing world through a wonderful non-profit, Mercy In Action, which provides free midwifery care in the Philippines. We will also study disaster preparedness. I will update this website with personal photos and stories from the trip if and when I have internet access. ~Rachelle
The following photos are from the trip...they happen to be in reverse order...