Matrona Foundation

HOLISTIC DOULA PROGRAM This year we conducted 4 4-day Holistic Doula courses 2 4-day Holistic Postpartum courses and an online Homeopathy intensive. We continued to provide scholarships this year for women who could not afford tuition. The goal is to educate and train women to be attendants and offer support to families during their birthing and post-partum time. Birth doulas work mainly in hospitals accompanying families and bringing comfort and reassurance to mothers during the birth process. They act as advocates for the wishes of the family. Doulas also work at home births with midwives, offering reassurance and assistance when needed. Post-partum doulas work with mothers and families after the birth by coming into the home and seeing to the needs of the family. Our doulas are trained to understand both the physiologic and psychologic needs of the post-partum mother and can observe what is normal and what is variation in the postpartum and help remedy any concerns with the mother or newborn. Our doulas do not practice medicine or midwifery and will seek medical help in light of any abnormalities in any aspect of the birthing realm. They do not make medical decisions or manage care.

OPEN HEARTS GRANTMAKING FUND The Matrona believes that healthy families and communities contribute to positive outcomes in birthing. When people lack resources, the stress or privation diminishes health. As a remedy for this the Open Hearts Fund supports a clinic and birthing center in Chiapas, Mexico. Grants go directly to Beti Flores, a midwife and only health provider for an isolated village of 90 families. In 2023, she reported facilitating births, pre-natal check-ups, postpartum home check-ups, newborn consultations, and general health visits including minor emergencies. Occasional transportation was provided to the distant hospital for more severe emergencies. The center also provides contraception, pregnancy tests, deworming, TB screenings and STD tests. Ms Flores also trains midwives in small surrounding villages and provides sterile equipment. The center distributes diapers, blankets, clothing, birth and postpartum supplies and other health, sterile and dental equipment. We will continue to support this community in the coming years. The Open Hearts Fund also makes small one-time grants to alleviate temporary hardships. This year grantees needed support for medical and dental bills and transportation needs.

BIRTHKEEPERS ONLINE COHORTS The Matrona Foundation offers a year-long mentorship program for anyone who wishes a deeper understanding of the physiology and psychology of birth. Our Birthkeepers program provides a basic entry-level midwifery education with more attention to the academic and practical aspects of birth than the average doula or mother may have. Many doulas and caregivers wish to enhance their education with our program and learn more about the organic physiology of the childbirth continuum so they can become better consultants and advocates for families. This program does not train, certify, accredit or license anyone to practice medicine or midwifery. It is designed as an educational program to enhance knowledge and provide the basis for consulting with and informing families. Consultants and advocates do not manage care or make medical decisions. nor do they have the intention to do so. Because we are non-profit, the Matrona is able to offer this program significantly below market value. Scholarships are also provided to improve community equity.