Resistencia Hospital Visit

by Heather Navarette-Linnemeyer

I was invited by Dr. Anna to visit the hospital where she works as a radiologist in the cancer department. She was so much fun to sit next to at our Rotary meeting that I definitly wanted to spend some more time with her. She delivered me to the Kinesiology department where different therapists showed me a variety of techniques that they use, mostly lymph drainage and respiratory therapy.

I was then wisked away to the children's rehabilitation department where I was able to watch a therapist help a 12-year old with some stretches to help realign his scoliosis.

Then another therapist came to take me to their birthing department and explained that they have a very innovative program at this hospital where the premature babies are kept on their mothers until they are strong and healthy enought to be released home. The baby in the above photo was born two months early - the hospital provides food and accomodations for the mother to stay on location at the hospital where they can monitor the baby's food intake and growth development. When the baby hits a desirable weight it can be released home.

They have special gowns for the mothers to wear. They call it a kangaroo pouch - it is open to the mother's chest and has a special compartment that the baby sits in so it can be kept warm by the mother's body heat. They have done some studies to show that the cost is equivalent to paying for an incubator for the babies, and it is always better to have the babies in contact with their mothers if possible.

I loved this program and was so pleased to see this country offer this to their new mothers. There were three mothers per room - very tight quarters, but it is all free and they are doing a great job showing them how to breast feed and supplement formula when necessary. I really appreciate that medical care is free here.

Heather