Day 2 - Chiquimulilla

Today we went to El Centro de Salud, the local public clinic, to teach the nurses & doctors there about different OB topics. To help them better understand these topics, Karen had a friend of hers make us a uterus. The uterus has straps that wrap around the abdomen and expands to 10 cm to allow a baby to be born. Karen graciously wore this and allowed all of the participants to practice various birthing maneuvers on the uterus. Although this was quite amusing, and yes we did take TONS of pictures and videotaped it as well, it proved to be a crucial learning tool. We also reviewed concepts on infant CPR. The doctor who ran the local clinic gave us a tour and allowed us into the maternity ward to see the new moms & babies. We learned that these moms are only allowed to stay for 24 hours post-birth, no families are allowed in to support the women, and if any complications arise they are sent to a nearby hospital. Often the transportation needed to take them there is not available - a common theme in the Guatemala system is its inability to meet the needs of its people. A nurse from a nearby community said that she is responsible for caring for its 2,000 inhabitants. All of us have and continue to be blown away by the vast medical needs of this country.

We discovered the swimming pool at the hotel next door today, as well. This easily has become our favorite activity to escape the heat and humidity of Chiquimulilla. Last night Suzanne said that the thermometer read 86 degrees at 11 pm at night... the typical day is over 100 degrees and the humidity is almost unbearable. Thankfully the beauty of the landscape and its people have more than made up for the weather conditions.