Buengkan, Thailand
A Fresh Start for Moms and Newborns
New moms have a long road ahead of them.
Being a new mom is hard. Being a new mom in poverty is overwhelming. Due to lack of education about safe sex and birth control, many young girls become pregnant in high school or just graduated. Many of them are unmarried, or pushed into marriage due to unplanned pregnancy, and are not able to afford the costs of raising a child.
Many children end up being raised by the grandparents, aunts and uncles while the parent’s must work to try and earn enough money.
When we visit the hospital we see a lot of new moms with their own mom’s and aunties, but no men. Oftentimes the husband or father must go to work daily, and these women are without their partner to share in the experience of a new child.
Giving birth in Buengkan hospital can cost at little as $1 thanks to government policies in place such as welfare, but that cost does not include any personalised care, private room, extra assistance; it only covers the basics. Any complications during birth and aftercare are not included. After giving birth and heading home, these new moms and families are on their own.
Many new mom’s feel overwhelmed by the burden ahead of them, and we want to provide just a little bit of assistance to lift that burden.
The costs of baby clothes, diapers, blankets, crib, formula, vitamins, wet wipes and more add up quickly. Many people in poverty struggle to provide for themselves and there is a higher risk for postpartum depression.
Mundo Exchange wants these new mom’s to feel seen, cared for, and just a little bit less stressed about their newborn! We provide each mom with at least:
2 newborn onesies
1 outfit set (top and bottom)
1 hat
1 washable diaper/swaddling cloth
personal hygeine items for both mom and her baby
It may not sound like much, but to someone who living in poverty, being able to meet their baby’s basic needs can be an enormous obstacle. Having clothes to keep their baby warm, dressed, and clean can make a world of difference for a new and struggling family.
