Noor is her mother’s first child—her mother is very young and single, and is raising her daughter alone. They live in Noor’s grandparents house, an adobe house with a tin roof in Guatemala. Noor and her mother depend on their grandparents for food, water, and a place to live—but buying formula is incredibly out of reach for them.
Noor’s mother cannot produce breast milk for her child and cannot afford to buy formula as a substitute. She has been giving her daughter boiled water with sugar and corn tortilla pieces to help her stop crying, but she is worried because her daughter has not grown since she was born two months ago. As a result, Noor is failing to meet normal growth markers and is far below the average height and the average weight for her age.
At such a young age, malnutrition is life-threatening. Lactation failure can lead to the child becoming starving, dehydrated, and provoke electrolyte imbalances that can cause seizures. Brain development occurring during this delicate time is compromised and the baby is at risk of long term damage.
Lactation failure, while dangerous, is easy to treat. By supplying the baby with formula and the mother with health education, Noor will receive the calories she needs to grow and thrive. One-on-one education with Noor’s mother will prepare her for when she needs to start eating solid food, as well as help her watch for further signs of malnutrition and other illness. Noor’s immune system will strengthen and she will grow up to be a healthy energetic baby.
“I dream that my daughter can one day be a teacher," Noor's mother shared.