Support From Before Birth?

When Mirna and her husband Brandon found out they were expecting their first child, the parents-to-be were ecstatic. Both of them had always wanted to start a family, and now, the dream was coming true.

But not all of the emotions were positive. Mirna especially was anxious about the health of their baby. It’s a common fear of parents, especially first-time ones, but in Mirna and Brandon’s case, there was more than usual to be concerned about. The couple live in a small rural community in Guatemala, a country where malnutrition affects nearly half of all children under the age of five.

Finances were also an issue. Work was scarce in their town, and in order to find jobs, Brandon had to begin traveling to take work in a nearby city. Being left alone for long periods without her husband for support was hard on Mirna, but while he was working, she used her time to look for resources that would help her growing baby.

When Mirna learned that there was a Feed the Children maternal support group in her town that would provide prenatal care, including vital supplements, health education, and more, she was thrilled. She enrolled immediately.

Nine months later, Mirna gave birth to daughter Teresa. Her parents were over the moon. The baby was beautiful, happy, and best of all – completely healthy.

“It was very helpful to have that support during my pregnancy,” Mirna says. “If Feed the Children had not supported us, it would certainly have been another story. My daughter would surely have suffered from malnutrition.”

But Mirna’s story with Feed the Children didn’t end there. Mirna also joined the Feed the Children-supported Savings Group to help their growing family become more financially stable. Teresa is in a childhood nutrition program and continues to receive monthly support in the form of nutritional supplements and food. At four years old, Teresa is still just as healthy and happy as she was – in fact, she has never suffered from malnutrition!

Mirna also decided to become a volunteer for the same care group that helped her during her pregnancy with Teresa. Today, she’s helping other moms and babies stay healthy, and is committed to strengthening her community.

Stories like Mirna and Teresa’s are only possible with your support. Together, we’re changing lives and building healthy futures.