By Amy L. Hatch
Photo provided
Ellen Solis, a local Certified Nurse Midwife, watched in horror as a massive earthquake hit and devastated the already unstable country of Haiti. But even natural disasters can’t stop babies from coming, and Solis knew her skills could be useful there. In this Q and A, Solis tells us why she was moved by Haiti and why we should still care about what happens there next.
ED. NOTE: Those wishing to donate cash or supplies can email Solis directly. Donations may also be made directly to Midwives for Haiti, and Solis points out that all contributions made there are tax-deductible.
Q: Why did you decide to go to Haiti?
Solis: I watched the devastation that hit Haiti after the earthquake with the same horror and sense of helplessness that everyone else did. I just kept thinking, “I wish there was something I could do–I know there are pregnant women and babies there who need help!” As a nurse midwife, I take care of women and babies every day, I just knew my skills are needed there. So, I started to look into different aid organizations, hoping to find an group that was specifically offering help to women and babies.
Q: Tell us about the group you will be traveling with.
Solis: I’m going with group called Midwives for Haiti, a group has been going to Haiti for years. It was founded by a nurse midwife named Nadene Brunk who saw that pregnancy and birth could be so much safer than it is in Haiti. Haiti has the highest maternal mortality rate in the western hemisphere. Women and their children die there all the time, just from a lack of sanitation, good food, and good information.
The organization has been working in Hinche, bringing American nurse midwives to train Haitian traditional birth attendants and nurses to take care of women in the community. Since the earthquake, the group’s focus has moved from Hinche (which was not hit as hard) to Port-au-Prince.
Q: What will you be doing in Haiti?
Solis: I am traveling with three other CNMs with Midwives for Haiti. We are coming from all over the country and meeting up in Miami on April 2, then going on to Port-au-Prince. We will be providing prenatal care and and primary care at a site in Citie Soleil that will be rebuilt into a hospital and birthing center.
Although the ‘clinic’ where I will be working isn’t set up for births, I’m sure that laboring women will come to us for help. The first group of midwives is going on March 11. I am looking forward to hearing what things are like directly from them.
Q: Now that all the initial sympathy and outpouring for Haiti has passed, what can people like you expect when they get there?
Solis: I will be in Citie-Soleil, which is the infamous slum outside of Port-au-Prince. It has always been an incredibly poor place and now there are very few buildings even standing. I expect that the situation hasn’t gotten much better and that people are getting more and more desperate, frustrated and worried — especially as the rainy season approaches.
Q: Why should Haiti still be on our radar?
Solis: The Haitian people are still in desperate need of help. Now that the rescue work is coming to an end, it’s time to think about the immediate needs of the survivors. So many people are living under tarps and make-shift tents in the streets. They need food, medicine, clean water, sanitation and safe places for their children.
Q: How can Chambana help?
Solis: I am accepting donations to help with the cost of this trip, and to buy supplies that Haitian moms and babies so desperately need. Any little bit helps! I have received donations from $5 to $200.
My sister-in-law’s church (in California) is making up packs of diapers, pins and onsies. A CNM colleague in Chicago is sending me a doppler (a device used to listen the baby’s heart beat in utero). I am also asking Carle Clinic, my workplace, to support me with medicines and medical equipment. I can take two 50-pound suitcases on the flight and hope to have them stuffed with medicine, sutures, gloves, vitamins, diapers and onsies. So far, my family and friends have been incredibly generous.
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ellen is great – she was one of the midwives we saw during our last two pregnancies. this is such a great cause to shed light on – thanks for the info on how we can help.
What amazing, meaningful work to be able to do.
Ellen helped to deliver my first child…I’ll always remember how great she was to this then first-time Mom. Ellen, my prayers are with you and all the other people who are able to go help out first-hand. Your impact on the lives of these devestated women and children will be a God send.