Luang Prabang orphanages have just started a village birthing program, a crucial and extremely valuable help for expecting mothers and newborn babies in the very poor villages in the area.
We are reaching out to you for help, as usual, a little goes a very long way….
DONATE
THE PROGRAM
All expecting mothers are offered the equivalent of USD 25 in association with giving birth at a local hospital, this covers transportation to and from the hospital, food for 2 days and one night and helps to pay for the first baby blanket & clothes. Birthing in a hospital is free by law in Laos, but any extras have to be paid for and people in the villages have no means to cover any of the expenses associated with childbirth.
The program also covers costs for extra nights in the hospital, emergency transportation, and Caesarean section – as needed. While all mothers are encouraged to breastfeed many are unable to or do not have enough due to chronic malnutrition, if so the birthing program also supports baby formula to supplement breastfeeding.
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THE REASON
Giving birth in the villages is associated with great risks as the circumstances are very poor and there are no trained health professionals at hand to help with even basic complications. While declining since 2015, Laos has the highest maternal mortality rate in the ASEAN countries with the mortality in the poor areas being 3 times higher than the country average according to UNICEF.
The birthing program ensures a safer delivery, a better start for both the mother and baby after the delivery thus securing that the mother is able to return in good health to look after the rest of the family after childbirth.
Thank you for being there for the Lao children, your support is truly valued and makes a great difference.
As always.