Rwandan volunteers with specific training and skills will provide education to promote breastfeeding, good nutrition, personal hygiene, feeding and food safety, new born health and illnesses, home care and counseling on family planning.
Safe motherhood is a key objective for developing countries but, despite improvements, Africa is still one of the most dangerous places in the world to give birth.
The leading cause of maternal mortality in Africa - accounting for 34% of the deaths- is hemorrhage, the majority of which occurs postnatal. Approximately 50% of maternal deaths take place within one day of childbirth. 30-50% of newborn deaths are on the first day of life.
The postnatal period - defined as the first 6 weeks after birth- is crucial to the health and survival of a mother and her newborn. Lack of care in this time period may result In death or disability as well as missed opportunities to promote healthy behaviors affecting women, newborns and children.
Upcoming stories will share about the layette kits that we will bring to Rwanda. Many are involved including girl scouts, women's bible study groups, knitters and a group from Denver called Knitting4Peace.
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