10/28/14 Peru for life

Although my experience in the Clinica Peruano Suiza was starting to get better (after complaining on multiple occasions and harassing the staff to let me help), I was still looking for other opportunities where I could help and use my skills as a nurse. I met some girls with a different volunteer program that works with a house for teen moms. They help with education on caring for baby, health of mom, placement for housing after they leave the house and sometimes job placements. It is a sort of transition housing but some girls can/will live there for years. The ages range from 11-18ish. Most of the girls are victims of abuse and rape from family members, child prostitution, etc. It is very sad but also so awesome that they have this place where they can find support and help. Today was my first day there and it was amazing. The coordinator picked me up on her way home from the hospital with one of the moms who has just had her baby. She had quite the complicated situation with severe pre-eclampsia, c/section, sepsis, etc so she was ready to rest. The coordinator was so excited to have someone with the training I have had there with the girls. She said the staff working there really don't know much about the topics of breastfeeding and proper ways to care for babies (which confused me but I didn't press the topic). They specialize more in the mental and placement aspects. Without the volunteers contributions to this organization, I don't think they would survive. So I'm really excited to be able to help. When we got to the house I met all the girls and their babies. The afternoon I was there, I did so much breastfeeding education, it was so fun. I didn't realize how much I missed working with that population. The girls were so welcoming and accepting of my advice and adjustments to their breastfeeding. It was nice to practice my spanish with them as well. We did some education on some baby cares for the new mom such as giving a bath, breastfeeding, burping, and generally caring for her baby. I didn't want to leave!! Some of the volunteers live there, and I was feeling a little jealous... especially because they can snuggle and hang with the babies whenever they want!! I am currently working on a breastfeeding presentation for the girls to see pictures and really understand how to give their baby the best food and enough food. I am super excited to help give the presentation and help them learn about their body's and their babies!