Today is #BumpDay and I think this is a great time to post about something I’ve been wanting to write about for a while: how to help mothers around the world! When I was pregnant with my first baby I was nervous. Most mothers are the first, second, even 6th time they’re pregnant. I also remember feeling “taken care of”. I had great health care, even though I’m self-employed, clean water, a bed and loving suport system. Even with all those things, it was still nerve-wracking. So now that I’m out of the weeds a tiny bit, I feel a strong calling to help mothers around the world!
There are many organizations that devote themselves to helping mothers and we can help them do more! This is how to help mothers around the world:
- Spread the word! Think about how much you share everyday on social media, texts or emails. What’s one more message that could save lives?
- Give money. It doesn’t have to be a lot. I think sometimes people get overwhelmed because they think they don’t make enough money to help. In some cases it’s true. However, ANY amount helps. I think of it as what does my daily consumption of coffee cost? That question helps me bring it into perspective or what I’m willing to give. I wish I were more generous. But if I’m going to wait until I’m ready to be SUPER generous, then I’d never end up helping. You know what I mean? So start small. If that means $1 for you, be proud and give it with love. Hopefully thousands of others do the same. 🙂
- Give time. But Ziba, I really don’t have a $1. Fine. I get it. Do you have an extra hour? Many of these organizations need help and volunteers. Even remote volunteers. So reach out and say “I’m passionate about this cause, use me, this is how much time I have to give”!
Organizations Helping Mothers Now
UNICEF
This organization does a top to bottom effort in helping mothers around the world! They provide access to healthcare to remote village by sending health care workers to help mothers learn how to breast-feed, hygiene, care for their kids and other mama basics.
EVERY MOTHER COUNTS
This organization works hard to prevent death in mothers at childbirth around the world and here in the United States. The founder is supermodel Christy Turlington, whom had a complication during the birth of her first child. She realized that if she hadn’t had adequate care, she would’ve died as many mothers do during childbirth around the world.
RAICES
Helps families reunite at the border! Provides low cost or free legal services. From their website: ” Your support helps us continue our mission to help separated families, detained families, unaccompanied minors, and others who are seeking asylum in the United States.”
INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE (IRC)
This organization has a whole initiative around providing mothers of all ages with healthcare and safe births. They frequently partner with other companies to match donations! I have used them a lot for Father’s Day and Mother’s Day gifting. You can give to the organization on behalf of someone as a gift and send a child to school, for example.
They help moms before and after birth all over the world, as well as infants. They also provide gender based violence prevention!
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
For mothers trying to get a job, this organization helps them look their best! You can donate clothes or money to help women feel great for that interview or first week at work. I remember in some places I worked I had to look a certain way and it was always tricky because you aren’t making money yet! This helps moms look the part!
So there you have it! So many wonderful, reputable organizations to choose from. They each are a little different and will resonate with you depending on your passions. If you’re a mother that had a high risk labor, you might go with Every Mother Counts. Or, if you are like me, and from a border town, you may be inclined to donate to Raices. I think the two most “general” ones are IRC & UNICEF. In any case, you can’t go wrong! If you’re interested in learning about an organization that helps kids with chronic illnesses, head to this blog post! XO, Z