Mamatoto Resource & Birth Centre

Mamatoto, the Swahili word for mother & baby, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with the overall goal of empowering women and their families to make and exercise informed choices with respect to their reproductive health. Our mission is to facilitate women to have a safe, natural childbirth experience. The Resource Centre provides access to a free, multimedia library with materials on reproductive health and breastfeeding. There are free support groups for teens; post natal families and those with a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. Sessions offered include prenatal yoga and childbirth education. The free standing, midwifery led Birth Centre offers family-centred care which is individualized to meet each family's needs and choices. Waterbirths are often requested; a doula is present for each birth and we offer funding assisted care for low income families and teens. In 2015, we assisted 48 births and over 1000 women accessed some aspect of our services. We also do presentations and workshops to care providers and students on violence in pregnancy, caring for teens and respectful care. The 2015 State of the World's Fathers Report on family inclusive care refers to a TEDx Talk which I did on Why Fathers Should be Present for Birth. We utilize every opportunity to present &/or have a presence, at, for example, health fairs and expos; schools; church & community groups; and conferences to inform the public on their choices and rights related to maternity care and reproductive health. Our vision for the future is to have a greater impact on national policy to ensure that the care we provide is seen as the model for all health care in Trinidad & Tobago.