Childbirth is different for every mother. I don't think there's any point having a plan. Our bodies are amazing, but in many ways badly designed. Anything can happen. As I discovered every time!! But what should no longer be happening in 2019 is women dying unnecessarily during pregnancy, or whilst giving birth. And yet all over the world, particualrly in developing countries, its still happening.
Did you know that in India five women die from childbirth or pregnancy related conditions every hour? Tanzania has one of the highest maternity mortality rates in the world and Guatemala is the most dangerous country in South America to give birth.
Whilst in the western world the at-home eat-your-placenta birth plan has ironically become something some women aspire to - in other parts of our 2019 planet more than 800 women a day die either in childbirth or from complications directly related to pregnancy (unsafe abortions, hemorrhages, eclampsia etc). And yet - almost all maternal deaths are preventable.
EVERY MOTHER COUNTS is a non-profit organisation with global tentacles that works tirelessly to make pregnancy and childbirth safer - everywhere from Haiti to Bangladesh. And whilst I’m only running a poxy 12K in (forgive) Ibiza many women in developing countries have to travel as far as 42K to reach a clinic - often barefoot and often whilst in labour. Distance is one of the biggest barriers preventing women from access to childcare. (I think I deserve extra support for running this with my brothers, who defintely wont take kindly if I don't keep up).
Without modern day medicine I would not have survived my first birth, nor would my baby. I'm one of the lucky ones. Please sponsor my 12K run and make a donation to help Every Mother Counts make a difference - your money will help to directly reduce the barriers (transportation, education, supplies etc)-that so many women face when hoping to become a Mamma.
Every Mother Counts is dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere. #EveryMotherCounts #MakeitCount #RunforLife #RunandFeel
