Mercy In Action's First 1,000 Days

As I sit down to write this report for Mercy In Action's First 1,000 Days project, I am reminded of the powerful words of the Chilean poet and Nobel Laureate Gabriele Mistral:

"Many things we need can wait.
The child cannot.
Right now is the time his bones are being formed,
his blood is being made and his senses are being developed.
To him we cannot answer "Tomorrow".
His name is "Today"

So it is with the children we are following from early pregnancy to their second birthday. The First 1,000 Days is when the most rapid brain growth occurs in every human being. It is when irreparable harm is done if there is any degree of malnutrition, either in the womb or the first two years of life on the outside. And it is when children are most at risk for tragic, untimely death due to disease, accidents and poverty if they are not protected.

Our First 1,000 Days project offers that protection.  Every pregnant woman who walks through our doors to seek maternity care is taught about the importance of this once-in-a-lifetime chance to lay the groundwork for lifelong health. Our prenatal care is high quality and free, as is the birth. Afterward, a companion is assigned to visit the family every month until the child turns two years old, or more often if needed. All this is possible because of your vision for what childhood could and should be, and your generosity to ensure we never say "Tomorrow" to the child who needs our help "Today!"

Thank you for your loving support of these precious children born in Mercy In Action sponsored birth centers in the Philippines! 

Links:

• Mercy In Action website

Dear Friends,

Thanks to your faithful donations, our First 1,000 Days program continues and is expanding!

Recently Nerissa, the head midwife and owner of a birth center we support, sent an exciting report about a teaching party she hosted.  She held this party to provide education to families who were often giving birth at home unattended because there are few midwives, and families don't realize the importance of having a trained attendant at every birth. Nerissa had a vision for providing education to these pregnant mothers by hosting a 'Buntis (pregnant) Party.' Filipinos love a good party!   

At the party, the participants were given packed meals, diapers, wipes, baby hats and prizes from a raffle.  Nerissa and the government midwife provided entertaining teaching on a variety of topics and emphasized the importance of the  First 1,000 Days.  These were new ideas to many who came since they often do not have care during their pregnancy and may give birth at home unattended.  The participants were so thankful for the opportunity to learn many new things and appreciated the gifts.  This new knowledge can empower them to offer their babies the best start in life.

Our Mercy Kasamas continue to do home visits for families enrolled in our First 1,000 Days program to monitor and support optimal development.  In December, our Mercy Kasamas presented books to the families they are serving, a meaningful way for families to encourage healthy brain development.

Thank you for making this possible! You are a valuable part of our team!