A New West resident is fundraising locally so soon-to-be mothers in rural Nicaragua do not become maternal mortality statistics.
"The words, 'You are not in active labour, you will have to return home' is heard a lot. These women would have travelled nine hours by donkey and a crowded public bus to reach the hospital," said Aggie Black.
Black and a few friends are trying to raise money for Casa Materna, a large home on the outskirts of the city of Matagalpa that acts as a refuge for those waiting to give birth.
"A woman like that, who is probably having her 10th child, can have the baby on the way, putting them both at risk," she said. "She may not have any money to get back home and may decide to spend the night in the waiting room or even outside."
The money goes to fund the $5,000 salary of one nurse. Between 30 and 40 women are usually living there at any given time with at least one nurse on duty. "This is a very unique project. Before, nothing like it existed. It's funded through private donations and grants," Black said. "It works like a co-operative because they do some of the cooking and cleaning too. They come together and build a community."
Since its establishment in the early 1990s, Casa Materna has seen the maternal mortality rate cut in half with the delivery of almost 17,000 babies.
Black carries the cause close to her heart for a few reasons. She was exposed to the Nicaraguan culture in her 20s while on a humanitarian trip. She also lived there with her family for six months in 2012.
"Being a nurse myself, I shadowed some of the nurses at Casa Materna and got a real look at what they do on a daily basis."
She noted many Nicaraguans, especially men, continue to prefer large families, which contributes to the high birth rate in rural areas. The church is also against birth control and is a strong influence in the country.
Black and her "circle of support" raised $4,400 last year and another $4,000 this year. The group hosts two events a year, usually related to food and wine, and charge $50 a head.
"It's a great way to hang out with your neighbour, have some wine and support a good cause."
The next gathering will be held sometime in the spring.
For more information, visit casamaterna.org.
