Meet the midwives, they are responsible for setting goals, staffing and overseeing activities and assisting in implementation of programs in Guatemala
Guadalupe Aguilar.
Hi, I am Guadalupe.
I began my studies at a Birth Center in December 2019 at 40 years old. Having decided when I was young that I wanted to work with and take care of people, I went to school and graduated from a pre-licensure medical sciences program with the plan to be a doctor. My family supported my education, unlike many women in my community of Concepcion Chiquirichapa.
I learned to drive to the capital in order to go to medical school, but I didn’t pass the entrance exam. Because of this, I started working as a nurse, and I opened a small pharmacy.
But with my skills, I continued to feel the need to help more people. I began treating patients in my home until my neighbor, Magdalena, another midwife, invited me to join them. With this opportunity, I found my way to care for others within my own community without having to travel.
It was hard at first because I had a big adjustment transitioning from general medicine to maternity, but I no longer feel scared of birth. I identify strongly with others, I feel empathy with my community when they are ill or in pain, and I feel best when I can help. I consider myself a life-long learner, and I appreciate that there is always more for us to learn through the training and workshops that MMI makes possible with the help of donations. I look forward to a long career at the Center.
Santos Lopez.
Hi, My name is Santos Lopez.
I have been a midwife for almost 50 years.
When my mother was pregnant, my aunt attended the births. It was my mother’s intention to repay the favor in kind, but, unfortunately, my mother died when I was in my early 20s.
When my aunt was pregnant with my cousin, the responsibility fell to me. She called me when she went into labor. When I felt my aunt’s forehead, I just knew, and I announced “the baby is ready.” Word spread in the village, and other neighbors began calling me to attend them in their deliveries.
I never attended school, never learned to read or write, and was married with three children of my own. However, my father, who had had some medical education, instructed my husband that he was to allow me to work as a midwife. I received 2 years of training through the Red Cross, carrying my youngest child to clinical practice on my back. I eventually met a midwife who taught me more specific midwifery hand skills.
Celia Romero
Hi, I am Celia Romero Lopez.
I have been a midwife for 12 years. At the age of 17, I earn the Ministry of Health certification in midwifery.
My first experience with midwifery was watching my mother, Santos taking care of women in our community. I grew up playing doctor, hoping to one day attend medical school. Unfortunately, I was one of 5 children, and my family couldn’t afford University expenses.
Thanks to MMI, I was given a scholarship. While continuing to work at the birth center, I also participated in a 3-year nursing program with the local university. I want to continue my important and fulfilling work as a midwife, and I am already thinking about how else I will incorporate my nurse identity into my future career choices.
Lucia tomasa lopez.
Hi, my name is Tomasa Lucia Lopez.
Since I was very young, I was interested in healthcare. I supported my mother through chronic illness because we didn't have access to professional medical care, and I started working at a clinic providing alternative medicines at 14 years old. I hoped to one day study medicine, but I didn't have the resources.
It wasn't until 2008 that I had the opportunity to attend a midwife apprenticeship program. After finishing, however, I was called to tend to my family full time. Then, after the birth of my fourth child, my spiritual guide came to me in a dream and told me to return to midwifery.
Ofelia Hernández
Hi, my name is Ofelia Hernández.
Since I can remember, I have always liked to take care of others, especially little children. My first contact with a midwife was with my aunt. She taught me the basics of being a midwife. I remember I had to learn in secret because my father didn't like the idea of me learning how to be a midwife from a young age.
It wasn't until I was a teenager that I had my first independent birth experience. My sister-in-law was going to have a baby. Without equipment and without much knowledge, I received my nephew. That day I fell in love with being a midwife. My father gave me permission to start my training, so I trained for a year at a Mam clinic to become a midwife and a health promoter.
