Two months have passed since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, leaving countless individuals without electricity, food, and essential resources. While the island is gradually recovering, reports indicate that Puerto Rico’s power grid is still functioning at only 50%, leaving many residents in the dark.
The aftermath of the hurricane has plunged Puerto Rico into a humanitarian crisis, with many families struggling to rebuild their lives. One of the most affected groups is mothers and their newborns. As highlighted in a recent article by VICE, maternity wards across the island are severely under-resourced, making it challenging for expectant mothers to access the healthcare they need.
Basic necessities such as food are scarce, and 20% of households still lack clean drinking water. Additionally, fears surrounding Zika-carrying mosquitoes, which may have proliferated post-flooding, are causing many women to hesitate when it comes to traveling to medical appointments. Consequently, numerous women are resorting to delivering their babies at home, often without assistance, particularly in poorer rural areas.
“This situation is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” says Dr. Mark Rivera, an OB-GYN with a nonprofit organization focused on maternal health. Following a thorough evaluation of Puerto Rico’s maternity care system, Dr. Rivera expresses concern over the dire circumstances faced by pregnant women, many of whom lack access to food, clean water, and even transportation to appointments.
Jose Martinez, a public health expert, notes that the extreme stress experienced by expectant mothers may lead to increased rates of premature births. “We know that a disaster-stricken environment can induce significant stress, which may contribute to early delivery,” Martinez explains. “This is a concern we’re closely monitoring.”
As a mother, hearing about the struggles faced by fellow moms and their newborns is deeply distressing. It’s hard not to feel compelled to take action in light of these challenges.
What Can Be Done to Help?
Circle of Health International has already donated over 4,000 pounds of maternal healthcare supplies to support medical providers in Puerto Rico. You can contribute to this important cause by donating to their efforts.
Midwives have become vital resources for birthing mothers who cannot reach hospitals. Experts emphasize the importance of midwives as first responders during natural disasters, as they are trained to handle limited resources and are adept at managing stress and trauma.
A volunteer midwife organization in San Juan, known as Mujeres Ayudando Madres (Centro MAM), is providing free assistance to families, helping with home births, offering breastfeeding support that can reduce the risk of infants consuming contaminated formula, and providing essential maternity care. You can support their work through their website.
Additionally, two student midwives, Ana Torres and Carla Lopez, have initiated a fundraiser to send supplies directly to midwives in Puerto Rico. Having grown up on the island, they have raised nearly $2,000 to support their local midwifery community. “Our midwives are doing everything possible to reach families and provide the care they deserve,” Torres states. They are in urgent need of basic supplies like heating, clean water, and protection against mosquitoes.
Furthermore, a collective of volunteers known as Help Puerto Rico is actively making relief trips from New York City to deliver essential items to marginalized communities, including midwives on the ground. They have raised over $25,000 in the past month, but the need for additional resources remains critical.
While Puerto Rico continues to face significant challenges, the resilience and compassion of individuals stepping up to assist those in need is a silver lining in this ongoing crisis. It is crucial to keep Puerto Rico in our thoughts and support these communities as they work to rebuild and heal.
Additional Resources
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In summary, Puerto Rico’s maternity care system is in a state of crisis following Hurricane Maria. The island’s mothers and newborns are facing significant hardships, and numerous organizations and individuals are working tirelessly to provide support and resources. It is essential to remain engaged and continue assisting these communities in their recovery efforts.