Global awareness for better birth

I heard a story on the BBC this morning about the high mortality rate of birthing women (along with fistula, which leaves women horribly incontinent) in underdeveloped countries. In fact, health ministers from around the world are meeting in Ethiopia today to discuss how to lower those mortality rates. You can read the BBC story here.

While it's easy to think only of our birthing and health care options here in the Twin Cities, let's also extend our reach out into the greater world. Today's news shows how far we have to go. If helping to build just one birth center, in one small village, in one country, can help even a small number of women have healthier birth outcomes, let's do it. In Uganda alone, complications related to childbirth kill 150 women every week.

Let's help Sarah reach her goal of raising $20,000 for the Off the Mat, Into the World challenge. She'll travel to Uganda, Africa next year to help build a birth center. Please donate now, however small the amount, or however generously you're able to give. Please let your friends and family know about Blooming in Uganda, too, even if they do not live here in town. Better birth is global issue, not just a local issue.

One fantastic way to get involved is to register now for the Blooming in Uganda Gala at the Weisman Art Museum, Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Have a good time while supporting a good cause, with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, and special guest speakers Krista Tippett, host of MPR's Speaking of Faith; and Matthew Sanford, paraplegic yogi, author, and founder of Mind Body Solutions. Donation: $50 per person; all proceeds go to Blooming in Uganda.

Thank you so, so much for your involvement and support of this hugely important project.

Love, Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma