Support Dr. Doula's Birthwork in the Dominican Republic
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"This trip to the Dominican Republic is very meaningful to me. Since I was a child, I have observed that the people providing assistance in less developed countries seldom look like those they are serving. As a woman of African descent, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the diversification of individuals that are contributing to the improved birth experiences of women around the world."
~ Dr. Andrea Little Mason 
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Dear Family, Friends and Supporters,
This summer, I have an amazing opportunity to support Dominican and Haitian birthing women in the Dominican Republic (DR) from July 20 - August 3, 2017. THANK YOU for your assistance with medical tools & supplies, and/or material donations.
I am still accepting financial donations and soliciting sponsorships to support EXTRA BAGGAGE FEES for packed items, trip organizer/participation fees, travel expenses, lodging, and the purchase of items/supplies for the mothers and their newborns. Some items have been collected in advance and others will be purchased once we arrive in the DR. All monetary donations made toward this trip through Harmonic Connections PLUS, a 501(c)3 organization, are tax deductible. (Please make your monetary donations here on this page to receive a tax exempt donation receipt via email.)
This summer, I have an amazing opportunity to support Dominican and Haitian birthing women in the Dominican Republic (DR) from July 20 - August 3, 2017. THANK YOU for your assistance with medical tools & supplies, and/or material donations.
I am still accepting financial donations and soliciting sponsorships to support EXTRA BAGGAGE FEES for packed items, trip organizer/participation fees, travel expenses, lodging, and the purchase of items/supplies for the mothers and their newborns. Some items have been collected in advance and others will be purchased once we arrive in the DR. All monetary donations made toward this trip through Harmonic Connections PLUS, a 501(c)3 organization, are tax deductible. (Please make your monetary donations here on this page to receive a tax exempt donation receipt via email.)
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More about the work I will be doing in the DR
I will be a part of a team of nine birth professionals volunteering at Hospital Presidente Estrella Ureña in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. I and three other women will be working the night shift from 11pm - 7am shift each day.
The conditions and the treatment the women receive at the hospital is below what most would consider acceptable. The moms and newborns have only what they walk in with unless their families provide for them. We will seek to offer material comforts through the provision of sheets for the beds, water, and some 'luxury' items as gifts for mom and baby. These luxury items will include a small bar of soap, underwear, sanitary pads, and a toothbrush for the mothers; and a onesie, socks, a receiving blanket and a few diapers for the newborns.
Both the mothers and their newborns are often treated in ways that many would consider inhumane. The women deliver in a room with 10 other beds, sometimes two women to a cot. They deliver in their street clothes, on a plastic bed, without food or water, and with no loved ones or support at their side; and they are separated from their babies for up to 24 hours. We will be working around the clock shifts to bring comfort, support, and love to these women and babies.
I appreciate your support as we support these mothers and their newborns. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide toward this endeavor. It is greatly appreciated.
Andrea Little Mason, Ed.D.
"Dr. Doula"
I will be a part of a team of nine birth professionals volunteering at Hospital Presidente Estrella Ureña in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. I and three other women will be working the night shift from 11pm - 7am shift each day.
The conditions and the treatment the women receive at the hospital is below what most would consider acceptable. The moms and newborns have only what they walk in with unless their families provide for them. We will seek to offer material comforts through the provision of sheets for the beds, water, and some 'luxury' items as gifts for mom and baby. These luxury items will include a small bar of soap, underwear, sanitary pads, and a toothbrush for the mothers; and a onesie, socks, a receiving blanket and a few diapers for the newborns.
Both the mothers and their newborns are often treated in ways that many would consider inhumane. The women deliver in a room with 10 other beds, sometimes two women to a cot. They deliver in their street clothes, on a plastic bed, without food or water, and with no loved ones or support at their side; and they are separated from their babies for up to 24 hours. We will be working around the clock shifts to bring comfort, support, and love to these women and babies.
I appreciate your support as we support these mothers and their newborns. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide toward this endeavor. It is greatly appreciated.
Andrea Little Mason, Ed.D.
"Dr. Doula"