This Mother’s Day, Let’s Celebrate all Moms

Motherhood can be one of the most beautiful things a woman can experience. But as we celebrate our mothers here at home, we’re also reminded of the many – the millions – of mothers around the world who live in poverty in countries affected by violence and conflict, with little access to healthcare, who want nothing else but to ensure a safe and healthy future for their babies.

Through our work in the Americas and around the world, we’ve homed in on supporting mothers as they grow their families – and friends like you can be the difference in their lives.  

As part of our Mother’s Day series this year, we’re highlighting the lives of a few of the thousands of women we’ve supported as they prepare for the lifelong journey of motherhood. Here is Ingrid’s story:

Ingrid is a Venezuelan woman who migrated to Colombia in November 2022. At the age of 40, she became pregnant for the third time. Given the lack of opportunities to access prenatal check-ups in her country of origin – and her particular vulnerability with this high-risk pregnancy – she made the difficult decision to migrate with her husband and three children (including a set of twins).  

The arduous, perilous journey from Maturín, Venezuela to Santa Marta, Colombia took three long days and had serious impacts on their mental health. Upon their arrival, they went to the city’s central hospital to seek help, and while speaking with other migrants in similar situations, they learned that Malteser International Americas offered free care to Venezuelan migrants and had a program to support pregnant women.  

Thus, Ingrid started getting the care she needed through our program, including monthly check-ups in general medicine, psychology, dentistry, nutrition, and gynecology. She also obtained micronutrient medications, ultrasounds, and laboratory tests. Her care extended even after the delivery.