2017 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Midwives for Haiti Inc

2,699 Pageviews Read Stories

 

 

Add to Favorites

Share this Nonprofit

Volunteering Oportunities

Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Health, Nursing

Mission: -Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Haiti by teaching midwifery skills. -Enhance maternal health by providing regular prenatal and postnatal care, including preventative services by training midwives. -Provide safe, clean places for women to give birth. -Incorporate care of the newborn, vaccines, dehydration treatment and prevention along with breastfeeding support with maternal care.

Community Stories

37 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Jessicathemidwife Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/01/2018

This nonprofit started as a kitchen table project, and now employs over 60 Haitians. Even though it has grown, it has remained true to the mission of providing skilled birth care to Haitian women, in order to decrease the maternal mortality in Haiti. There are now 154 graduates of the year long program all over Haiti. There is now a birth center in a remote area of the mountains that id delivering 20 babies a month.They have done so much with the 1100 volunteers over the last 12 years. Their work is heartfelt, and is helping Haitians help themselves.

christineRice9 Donor

Rating: 5

10/13/2017

I have been a donor for 3 years in helping to improve medical conditions for women and family's in Haiti, it is a thrill to see how donations can make a huge difference with mortality rates, medications, comfort, loving support, compassion and beautiful infants with happy moms. The dedication theses directors and volunteers bring forward each day is highly respectable on every level. If I can donate and support this fabulous "Midwives for Haiti Inc"
it is a honor and a joy, every birthing mother deserves the best chance for a healthy child.
We all dream of a beautiful life.

1

Sue Wolsey R. Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/13/2017

I volunteered as a midwife earlier this year. It was 2 weeks I will never forget. MFH do an amazing job teaching local nurses and traditional birth attendants skills to recognize dangerous situations and care for pregnant women. This makes an impact that is far reaching in Haiti. They are there foremost to up skill locals as their vision is to the future. Everyone you meet with this group are professional and experienced. They deliver high level education and care at a grass root level. Totally amazing

RuthCNM Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/09/2017

I've volunteered as a nurse-midwife with Midwives for Haiti three times over the last 6 years. It is so fabulous to see what has been accomplished for the mothers and babies of Haiti through this program. Every time I go I see progress made in training midwives and serving women. It is inspiring to see so many lives improved and to see so many lives saved.

lisaslepica Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/09/2017

Midwives for Haiti is changing lives every day by teaching Haitian nurses to become skilled birth attendants. Working with this group has changed my life in so many ways. Not only has it allowed me to volunteer, share my skills and passion for moms and babes, but it opened my heart to the world surrounding me. I give thanks every day to the men and women who keep Midwives for Haiti vital in the lives of those they serve.

Kelly P.2 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/09/2017

I volunteered as a nurse this past year and fell inlove with the work that this organization is doing daily. It was amazing to see the midwifery students in action in the community clinics, hospitals as well as home visits.

Ann H.1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/09/2017

I returned almost one month ago from serving 2 weeks in Hinche, Haiti with MFH.
What an amazing organization doing impactful work.
I had a fantastic time being a doula, performing new baby exams, doing home visits, teavhing 2 directors how to do sonograms, gelpubg out at hospital, and engaging with the Haitian people.
MFH is about helping Haitians help themselves, and they do so as excellent stewards of their resources. I'm excited to go back soon!

Bobbi K. Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/09/2017

I've volunteered 10 times in the past 8 years. Chose this organization because it prepared Haitian women to help their own communities. Now program management itself is gradually becoming Haitian-run, with support from the US organization and volunteers. It's the perfect example of how to make a true and lasting difference!

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/28/2012

I have volunteered as a nurse midwife clinical instructor on 4 trips in 3 years. I am so very pleased to see constant improvement in quality of student education, curriculum content and continuing education of graduates. I see immense gratitude and respect from the community (and now the Haitian government, too) toward Midwives for Haiti and their graduates. ~Bobbi. Fort Mill, SC

pattlh Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/09/2017

Every donation made reaches far and wide inHaiti with this organization investing it right back to the people of Haiti with education,prenatal care, safer births, jobs and dignity. The MFH model should be duplicated over and over

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/19/2012

As a 1st time volunteer last year I was amazed to so quickly be utilized and involved with Haitian midwives, student midwives and mothers and get right in to the heart of midwives For Haiti and so close to Haitian life. I planned my return even before I left

Beth Passini C. Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/09/2017

I have been volunteering with MFH since 2011 and it has been the best experience ever! This program is SO well run and does a fantastic job training Haitians to care for their own most vulnerable population.

Laura H.1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/09/2017

I was in Haiti for 11 months after the earthquake. I had plans to do exactly what your organization is doing, but my personal life got in the way! I now live vicariously through you!❤

jbrookscnm Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/07/2016

Midwives for Haiti train Haitain nurses to be skilled birth attendants and opened their own birth center last year. The volunteer program is well-organized and efficient. Translators are provided, and I always felt safe as a volunteer. I am amazed with all they do!

Jenni8 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/06/2016

Midwives for Haiti is an excellent non-profit doing important work training health care workers to work in rural Haiti. Volunteering for them was an incredible experience, and the organization has continued to evolve their volunteer program to support in-country training of much needed maternity care providers.

Meggie C. Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/06/2016

I had the priviledged of volunteering with MFH as a nurse. They are doing fantastic job in rural Haiti. I hope to volunteer again soon!

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/06/2016

I spent two weeks in Haiti with Midwives for Haiti. The work they are doing to reduce maternal and infant mortality is beyond amazing!

Anna121 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/06/2016

Amazing organization--changing women's lives one birth at a time!

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/26/2016

Midwives for Haiti uses a " teach a person to fish" approach to improve maternal and infant mortality in Haiti. Over many years as a volunteer, I have witnessed the saving of lives by the skilled birth attendants trained by Midwives for Haiti. Everyone in Midwives for Haiti is passionate about the program and it shows in the results. The photo is of a mother who was carried by her neighbors for 5 hours for emergency care by Midwives for Haiti. She is shown heading home with her healthy newborn and her family after treatment.

travelrn Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/26/2016

I have participated in international aide work for over 25 years in many different capacities as a Registered Nurse. Midwives for Haiti is one of the very few organizations that truly respects local cultures, needs, and capacity for medical education. Support and education are the foundation for their success and sustainability. Growth evolves naturally within the local environment. To me, this speaks volumes to Midwives for Haiti adherence to cultural sensitivity... Often something that is lost in larger Nonprofits seeking primarily to fix rather than support. I feel honored to be part of this organization.

funkel Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2014

I was a long-term, non-medical volunteer at MFH for two months. i was hoping to learn more about midwifery and the role it plays in the developing world, and MFH was the perfect place for that. Their midwives, students, and teachers are extremely committed to their jobs, and their mission to make Haiti a safer place for expectant mothers. Their passion inspired me to seek a job in maternal care.

Abigail P. Volunteer

Rating: 4

10/09/2014

MFH is working with the local community to combat maternal and neonatal deaths through education and training. I had looked forward to working with the students but did not get to do this b/c of their scheduling that week - if we had known we probably would have chosen another week. There were two coordinators, or hostesses, in the house, one of which was supposed to take care of our clinical and schedule experience. This person, who I understand has already left, did not make us feel very welcome nor try to help us get the most out of our time there. We wanted to be helpful, not just take up space. The best time of our week was going with the Midwives on mobile clinics and seeing patients in remote areas. The midwives were eager to have us there. I look forward to going again, knowing that a different coordinator and the right timing will make an even better experience.

Colleen43 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/23/2014

Midwives for Haiti understand the cycle of dignified work to support an individual that in turn supports a family, that in turn supports children in school. Work that supports a community by caring for the women during pregnancy is a step to seeking care for their children. Children surviving infancy can seek an education. With an education , there is an opportunity to lift poverty of the next generation. Opportunity for the next generation creates a better community. It is a slow process, but a potential for making a difference. MFH starts at the humble beginning, caring for women in pregnancy, equipping and supporting Haitian men and women to be birth attendants. All of this supports families. The cycle is embraced.

Brandi12 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/22/2014

I have been following Midwives for Haiti since the earthquake in 2014. What started as my 5 yo daughter's focus on the people of Haiti soon became mine. This organization is doing such valuable work in maternal-infant care: Reducing maternal-infant mortality, increasing breastfeeding success rates, providing the disadvantaged with the basic human right of healthcare during pregnancy and beyond. And it takes so little to support this organization in their efforts!

Michael268 Donor

Rating: 5

09/18/2014

This is a wonderful organization that works! My wife and her best friend volunteered in Haiti with Midwives for Haiti and so were able to bring back stories from the "front lines." MFH is dedicated in all the right ways to help Haitian moms and babies. Crucial healthcare and empowering education work together to raise up hope for the future. I encourage you to support them in their efforts-we can make a difference!

jzspeer Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/18/2014

I am very careful where I send my money because I feel like many times it doesn't trickle down to those who need it most. I have stayed in the MFH house and have seen firsthand what they do and how they spend their funds. I am so moved by the work that they do and the lives that they affect directly and indirectly. I'm so happy to have found a wonderful and trustworthy place to send my support that has such and incredible impact.

Webs Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/17/2014

Midwives for Haiti is helping a cause very dear to me: helping mothers having their babies in a safe environment with trained professionals. I belong to a small Church of the Brethren in Herndon, Virginia and last year our women's bible study decided to organize a yard sale for raise funds for Midwives for Haiti. It was very successful so we are doing it again this year, actually this coming Saturday, September 20th and we hope it will be good again. Midwives for Haiti is a great organization worthwhile our support and Haiti needs it so much. Thank you for everything you do.

Partera7 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/17/2014

Midwives for Haiti is a partnership with the Hatian people . It helps by providing training to Haitian women to take care of Haitian women. It is not charity is an organization working with a country that is in need of partners, not charity. I will be returning to Haiti again this year because I support the work this amazing organization is doing. At the end of the trip as a volunteer you return home with a deeper understanding of global health and a deeper appreciation for the wonderful country.
Claudia

1

Patricia110 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/16/2014

Amazing!!!!!!! I have volunteered several times and have had great experiences each time. I love the students and staff and patients. Great organization

Chantal2 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/16/2014

My trip to Haiti in August of 2013 was the most rewarding trip I've ever taken. Jut to witness the work MFH is doing opened my eyes to fully comprehend the scope of their mission . Their outreach is so vast and their goal so genuine. One of my most memorable experience of the trip is the mobile clinic. Explaining this to full comprehension is almost impossible. "Se la pou w la" is a Haitian saying. It means you have to be there, as nothing in life prepared me for such experience. Having been educated abroad, I was in awe to see how well prepared those midwives were by MFH. The trip itself through unpaved roads and shallow rivers to arrive at this shack to meet these pregnant women, these new mothers and their newborns in their Sunday best patiently waiting while we set up to take their weight, test their urine and educate them on safe care was an experience. They were like sponges, in need of water, absorbing in all , so grateful. It broke my heart when we said goodbye at the end of the day knowing that they would not receive any care for another month. The next day belongs to another town. With suitcases of supplies, they embark to another journey, as there are more waiting for the same. MFH, you are amazing!

Meghan C. Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/03/2013

Great organization doing great work -- truly sustainable and inspiring.

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/27/2012

I have been volunteering RIchmond (not yet in Haiti) with Midwives for Haiti for a couple months now. I could not be more proud of the work that they do, and am happy to be plugged into whatever projects or tasks the organization needs to help keep moving forward. The work they are doing in Haiti is so important, and so beneficial to a growing network of communities - I can't wait to finish nursing school and head down!

Catherine26 Donor

Rating: 5

11/28/2012

One of the best overseas aid programs one could support! Amazing U.S. midwives go to Haiti to train midwives there. They in turn help women who would otherwise have no prenatal care and no help with their deliveries. I have a midwife friend who goes to Haiti every year, and she shares her experiences and photographs with the rest of us in our Quaker meeting. This is the real deal.

Keta Donor

Rating: 5

11/28/2012

I learned of this wonderful organization through a midwife friend who went with them to Haiti. MFH has a clear mission and integrity -- two of the most important attributes that make a non-profit worthy of support.

JanettF Volunteer

Rating: 4

11/26/2012

Making a difference in the lives of women and communities in Haiti. Midwives for Haiti works in partnership with women to train them as skilled birth attendants and then helps women find employment. They provide prenatal care services and in hospital staffing for St Therese in Hinche, Haiti.

jordancnm Board Member

Rating: 5

10/22/2012

Ever since I volunteered with Midwives for Haiti in 2006, I have been impressed with the quality of the work they are doing. They have grown quickly and stayed true to their mission. They provide salaries for many Haitians, and most of the money goes directly into services to Haitians. My volunteer experience definitely changed the way I view my work on a daily basis, and I am sure it has done the same for many midwife volunteers. I love the way we use our volunteers to empower the Haitian people to help themselves.

Cheryl45 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/19/2012

Haiti has the highest maternal-infant mortality rate in the Western Hemisphere. Midwives for Haiti was established in 2004 to educate Haitian nurses to become skilled midwives. In the beginning, professional midwives volunteered to teach midwifery skills but now they are used to augment classroom and clinical teaching as much of the teaching is now done by experienced graduates of the program. Midwives for Haiti assures volunteer safety, providing comfortable housing and meals along with translators to help with both spoken and cultural transactions. It was sobering to witness the deprivations experienced on a daily basis by Haitians I met. At the same time, it was spiritually uplifting to encounter the courage and determination I experienced when observing Haitians working hard towards improving their lives. Although midwives are essential volunteers, there are other niches for non-professionals to fill: volunteering at orphanages, feeding centers, and community improvement projects.

Need help?