By Sara Bannon | Water Expert, Project leader & Staff cheerleader
Hey all!
After much anticipation and ALOT of patient waiting- we have finally completed this Water House project at MamaBaby Haiti in Cap Haitian. Conner and Sara traveled to Haiti this past week during a somewhat safe timeframe to make sure we could get this birth center clean water despite the challenges Haiti is still undergoing.
We arrived Tuesday April 4th and took a look at the birth center. The construction is complete and the plumbing was already done so we could just insert our system into the established water lines. This allows the ENTIRE clinic to be able to have clean water access at all their taps. One of the midwives said- "I could drink water in the shower?!?!" and we said, "yes! If you want to!"
There was alot of excitement during the build. We had Manuel, the head plumber on site the entire time to learn about the installation and maintenance to make sure this system will be taken care of well. We were able to complete the build in two days with many hands and Friday we spent repairing leaks (of which there were many haha) and doing TONS of education so that the midwives and staff at MamaBaby can take care of the system all on their own!
We had a wonderful time in Cap Haitian. It was a first for both of us to be able to be in the North and there was alot of energy and babies being born at the current clinic. Once everything is complete with the building, the staff will move over to the new building!
Due to privacy and respect for the mommas in labor, we did not take photos of the new babies or moms who were there during our trip. But just to give you an idea- in February of this year alone there were 81 new babies born, 642 prenatal visits, and 126 postpartum appointments at Mama Baby. One of the midwives estimated that there are between 1000- 1700 babies born in any given year that are either born at Mama Baby or helped get to the hospital by MamaBaby's services if they need a C-section or are having complications that they cannot handle. We are so excited that each of these birthing moms and babies will have access to CLEAN WATER thanks to you and your generosity!
Check out some photos from our build and a thank you from Carmelle, the head midwife talking about the project impact and a little about the other MamaBaby locations. We didn't realize that they have two more clinics in Haiti! One in Lascahobas Haiti and one near where we work in Torbeck! Stay tuned for opportunities to potentially fund projects in these locations too!
Once again, I just want to say THANK YOU for your support, patience, and generosity. This project was a long time coming and SO worth it to see this clinic be impacted and many mamas and babies to come!!
So much gratitude,
Sara and Conner
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