Avoiding Unnecessary Surgeries

There’s a longstanding myth that once a mother gives birth via cesarean section, her subsequent births must also be via c-section. In the Guatemalan highlands, our birth centers called Casa Maternas are helping dispel that myth and empower women to give birth on their own terms.

While c-sections can be necessary and life-saving, recovery from a c-section can be long and difficult, and is particularly challenging in rugged areas like the Guatemalan highlands. C-sections can also mean a longer hospital stay, making birth more expensive for families who may not have a lot of spare income.

Impact Global Health Alliance’s programs always center informed consent and decision-making; we empower women to make the best choices for their own health and well-being. Women deserve to give birth on their own terms whenever possible. Casa Maternas not only provide high quality medical care, but also provide culturally sensitive services that help put many mothers at ease. This is particularly important in our rural service areas, which are highly populated by Indigenous Mayan populations who often face cultural, linguistic, and financial barriers when seeking medical care.

Patricia had previously given birth via an unnecessary c-section, and wanted to do things differently for her second birth. She sought guidance from the Casa Materna in Santo Domingo. Patricia learned that, this time, she could give birth naturally. When Patricia went into labor, she came to the Casa Materna accompanied by her husband and midwife. There, the care team kept her comfortable with herbal tea, and Patricia used guided breathing exercises and gentle movement to help ease the pain of contractions. In less than two hours, Patricia safely gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

Lucía had also previously given birth via an unnecessary c-section, but unlike Patricia she was facing a high-risk pregnancy due to high blood pressure and limited prenatal care. Lucía feared the physical risk and high cost of another c-section, so for this birth she sought care from a Casa Materna, who set her up with home visits to continue watching her health. Lucía ended up going into labor prematurely, but with the help of the expertly skilled attendants at the Casa Materna she was stabilized. After a carefully monitored labor, her baby boy was delivered naturally and safely.

Two safe births, two healthy mothers, and two thriving baby boys. The culturally sensitive and medically comprehensive care at our Casa Maternas empowers women to give birth on their own terms, with compassion and respect. Join us in making this care available to more women and babies.