San Jose de Ocoa is a small community in the south of the Dominican Republic. Stated population in the National Census is 57,174, however, this number is understated. The population listed is only "registered" population. In this region, there are many unregistered people. Children born to women under 16 years of age are not registered and in many of the surrounding areas, registration just is not possible. This leaves many families without education and access to healthcare.
My mission this year was to increase awareness and information to pregnant women and breastfeeding moms. Breastfeeding rates in the DR are a mere 8% at 5 months of age. After 5 months, the rates decline rapidly. With little access to clean water, formula and sanitary conditions for bottle feeding, it seems only prudent to educate women on increasing breastfeeding rates. This in turn can only aid in decreasing the infant mortality rates from as high as 51% in some of these regions.
I attended the antenatal clinic at the local hospital providing breastfeeding classes and answering questions. Mariam and I saw over 55 breastfeeding and expectant moms. We showered them with prenatal vitamins and gift packs and provided the clinic with vitamins to give to women in the community that may otherwise not have access.
My aim was to seek out at least one eager mom that would be willing to provide support to area moms. Indeed, I found one such mom. This young mom is a genius when it comes to breastfeeding and she will be such a good support. I have given her information to Yanet Olivieras, La Leche League Leader in Santo Domingo and it is my hope that she can run a support group in Ocoa. I have secured the women's shelter as a local meeting place as well.
My mission this year was to increase awareness and information to pregnant women and breastfeeding moms. Breastfeeding rates in the DR are a mere 8% at 5 months of age. After 5 months, the rates decline rapidly. With little access to clean water, formula and sanitary conditions for bottle feeding, it seems only prudent to educate women on increasing breastfeeding rates. This in turn can only aid in decreasing the infant mortality rates from as high as 51% in some of these regions.
I attended the antenatal clinic at the local hospital providing breastfeeding classes and answering questions. Mariam and I saw over 55 breastfeeding and expectant moms. We showered them with prenatal vitamins and gift packs and provided the clinic with vitamins to give to women in the community that may otherwise not have access.
My aim was to seek out at least one eager mom that would be willing to provide support to area moms. Indeed, I found one such mom. This young mom is a genius when it comes to breastfeeding and she will be such a good support. I have given her information to Yanet Olivieras, La Leche League Leader in Santo Domingo and it is my hope that she can run a support group in Ocoa. I have secured the women's shelter as a local meeting place as well.
Yokasta Mordan, a lovely new mom with a passion for breastfeeding and helping others!
I feel grateful for the opportunity to speak with these women and share in their breastfeeding experiences. I am truly humbled when I return home and see how much we have and how little they have but yet how very little difference we have in the love of our babies. Every mom wants to feed their baby and I am so happy to be able to assist these and every mom in doing just that!
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