Program Update: Formula Saves Lives

Program Update: Formula Saves Lives

Formula is often too expensive for a Haitian parent. Some single mothers who cannot breast feed or single fathers or family members caring for a newborn whose mother has died for example, can’t afford formula and often resort to watering down bread or rice and feeding that to the baby. This leads to health issues, which, left untreated, can cause severe malnourishment and potentially life-threatening health issues that can last a lifetime. Without being able to afford formula in situations such as this, a family member can feel helpless, lonely, and incompetent. We know that every parent we encounter in these cases is trying to do their best in order to care for their child. That’s why we help. All donation dollars to this program help us provide a family with basic nutrition assistance, which most likely includes formula, supplements, education, and training. We also stress that the parent is not unfit or unable to care or love the child – only temporarily unable. We know this must be difficult and we are mindful to care for all family members with respect and dignity. Our loving and compassionate approach really helps a struggling parent, grandparent, or other family member during such a difficult time.

Here are a few success stories:

Rose Naicha
Rose’s mom died in the hospital last year due to complications during childbirth. Sad husband, yet proud father, Rose’s Dad was at her side. After her mom died, the OBGYN called us to find out if we could help. Dad wanted to keep the baby but needed a little help providing immediate care so that she did not get sick. He wanted to make sure he could provide his baby with the proper nutrition. We were able to provide formula and education for them. Rose lives with her dad and is doing well almost a year later.

Samuel
Samuel’s mom was referred to us by another family with whom we have a relationship. His mom found herself pregnant to a man who left shortly after he found out about the pregnancy. Samuel’s mom lost her home in the earthquake in 2010 and was living in a tent. She also had no job. She was thinking that her only option was to place her newborn in an orphanage until she approached us for help. After counseling and assistance, we helped her to start a job as an entrepreneur and now she also has a house. A neighbor watches Samuel during the day while his mom works, which helps her keep her job. We provide formula during the hours she works and she is able to breast feed when she is home.

Rudjerry (& Jeffline)
Rudjerry’s parents both died of Cholera (or what his family assumes is cholera) in January of 2012. His older sister Jeffline, 15, took care of him for almost two months but he was getting weak and losing weight as she didn’t have access to milk. Like many families in need of food for a baby, she did the only thing she could, she fed him what she had – mashed plantains. In ill health, she brought him to the hospital a few months later. Because Rudjerry was too young to be on the hospital’s malnutrition program, the staff called us. A lot of people suggested to Jeffline, and the aunt with whom they live, that they put Rudjerry in an orphanage because they are too poor to buy milk. They did not want to do this. They wanted to keep Rudjerry in the family. We were able to provide Rudjerry’s aunt Rosnique with milk so that she could take care of him and his sister Jeffline in a healthy way.

Alfred (& Arlande & Liberta)
Mom brought Alfred to the hospital severely dehydrated and malnourished in February 2012. At the time, Alfred was only 7 pounds. She said they both had been sick with fever for weeks. That’s when they found out that they were both HIV positive. Doctors told her not to breastfeed after this. The visiting pediatrician called us to see if we could help provide formula to them during this time. Thinking she would have no other option, she considered placing Alfred in an orphanage for the chance at a better life. She felt awful and helpless. We were able to provide formula and education and even proved to be a trusted friend during this time of such great difficulty for the family. Alfred, mom, and dad are all now in treatment and Alfred is enrolled in our Formula Program. His older sisters, 3-year-old Arlande and 5-year-old Liberta are enrolled in school through our Education Program.