Mica’s Story : Mama of the Month

Mica is “Mama of the Month” on the Somebody’s Mama blog! Click here to read the full post and see how Somebody’s Mama and their Love Clubs are rallying around moms in Haiti!

“I saw the transformation in Mica’s life. She is a reminder to us all of HOPE, HEALING, and RISING. Please read about Somebody’s Mama and their work and thank them for choosing Heartline Maternity Center as a partner.” – Tara Livesay, Director – Heartline Maternity Center

Mama of the Month: Mica

Mica lives in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where she is a dedicated mom and  caring midwife. Not long ago, her life was changed by Heartline Ministries.

Several years ago, Mica was only two weeks into a dating relationship when the man sexually assaulted her. Shortly afterward, she was devastated to learn she was pregnant. She was faced with not only the trauma, but also the weight of many decisions she now had to make with a child on the way. Things started to turn around when a friend introduced Mica to the Heartline Maternity Center. She remembers that turning point in her life:

“I was hopeless and felt like I couldn’t go on living. I would spend my days in bed, crying and afraid. When I was accepted into Heartline’s prenatal program, it required me to show up at prenatal class every Thursday. After a few weeks of showing up at class, I started to feel a little more hopeful. I questioned whether or not I would be able to love the baby I was carrying. Without their love, support, and encouragement, I don’t know if I could’ve become the mother I am.”

Mica found the Heartline Maternity Center’s Child Development course especially helpful. She attended each week for 6 months. She was taught how to bond with her baby, the importance of breastfeeding, and how to give her son a good start to life. Mica had several complications with her birth, including an emergency C-section and, during her recovery, she suffered from mastitis and the Chikungunya virus.

She fought hard for healing and for her son.

Mica recalls her experience:

“Postpartum was very difficult for me. The postpartum care and encouragement I received from the Maternity Center staff gave me the courage to keep going.”

Mica’s difficulties gave her a deep understanding and compassion for how difficult the transition to becoming a mother can be. Shortly after completing the development class, she was invited to join the Heartline team and to contribute her talented singing voice to lead the singing portion of the breastfeeding classes. After a number of weeks, Mica started to take on more responsibilities and was able to utilize skills gained from her previously earned nursing assistant degree. Because of her hard work and dedication, her colleagues encouraged her to apply for training as a Certified Birth Attendant. Thanks to a generous sponsor, the cost of her training was covered.

Now a part of the team at the Heartline Maternity Center, Mica brings a peaceful confidence to the birth room. She is gentle, patient, and encouraging to women in the midst of labor.

Click here to continue reading Mica’s story on the Somebody’s Mama blog …