Andrea's Story - 4th Graduating Class

November 9, 2011

Recorded by Dr. Alice Hirata

Despite limited basic supplies, lack of consistent running water or electricity and open air, hot and humid condition, the Midwives for Haiti (MFH) students have completed their hospital and clinic training to prepare for graduation on November 13. These students, dressed in their neat, pink scrubs, bring compassionate, attentive and skilled maternity care to the women who flock to St Therese, the hospital in Hinche, Haiti, seeking a safe delivery.

Andrea, at age 33, is unmarried and focused on her studies. She grew up in a small community called Pareidon with her six brothers and three sisters. She was the third eldest and the most interested in learning. Of all her siblings, she is the only one to get education beyond basic primary classes in her home village. After completing this initial level of schooling, she had to leave home to attend high school in Las Cababos. Not only did she need to leave her family at a young age, but money needed to be raised for her tuition as public classes weren’t available. She had to slowly work her way through high school which took many years and numerous jobs. She laughs and shares that her favorite job was cake decorating which she did for three years!

At age 28, Andrea arrived in Hinche and St Therese hospital for her auxillare training, a basic nursing degree. Her classmates encouraged her to pursue midwifery training with MFH. She realized that there were no nursing jobs available in her home village of Pareidon. Also, she knew back home and throughout Haiti, women suffered and often died due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

She had seen the MFH students in their pink scrubs, busy working at the hospital. Andrea shares that it is the respectful, encouraging instruction offered by the midwife teachers that most impressed her. She wanted to be a part of decreasing maternal and neonatal mortality in Haiti. Andrea wanted a profession that would bring her pride, status and financial stability.

When asked to relate a story that describes why midwifery is important to her, she eagerly begins this story. A young, frightened woman was having an exhausting, difficult time delivering her first baby. Andrea worked with her for hours. Due to a broken hospital generator, St. Therese currently cannot perform caesarean sections. A surgical option requires over an hour’s drive on a mountainous, bumpy road to Cange.

“The baby was in a bad position,” Andrea recounts. “I helped the woman to walk and knew that she must try laboring in different positions. I helped her labor on her hands and knees and also on her side. It was worth it. The baby came out healthy. The new mom cried and hugged me. It was a good day.”

Andrea concludes the interview asking that she be able to thank Nadene Brunk, MFH founder and director. Andrea realizes that without Nadene’s vision there would not be such a wonderful program helping not only the families of Haiti but also the courageous, hardworking young midwives in training. Andrea plans on dedicating her life to this rewarding mission.

Last updated November 9, 2011