Lilibet is a one-month-old baby girl and her parents’ first child. She lives with her mother and father in rural Guatemala. Her mother is a homemaker, and her father works in construction. Her family earns less than three dollars per day, putting treatment for Lilibet out of her family’s economic reach.
Lilibet was born premature in September and spent the first fifteen days of her life stabilizing in the hospital. Lilibet’s mother’s milk has not come in, a common occurrence in premature births, leaving her unable to breastfeed Lilibet and provide her baby with the nutrition she needs. Lilibet’s mother has been feeding her sugar water and occasionally milk from a neighbor. As result of Lilibet’s limited diet, she is underweight and small at just over a month old. To stabilize her condition, Lilibet was given a preliminary supply of formula which will last until a nutritionist can create a personalized nutrition plan and begin formal treatment. Lactation failure can lead to starvation, cause dehydration, and provoke electrolyte imbalances that result in seizures. Brain development occurring during this delicate time is compromised and Lilibet is at risk of long-term damage.
By supplying Lilibet with formula and the mother with health education, Lilibet will receive the calories she needs to grow and thrive. One-on-one motivational education with Lilibet’s mother will prepare her for Lilibet to start eating solid food, as well as help her watch for further signs of malnutrition and other illness. Lilibet’s immune system will strengthen and she will grow up to be a healthy, energetic baby.
$1,107 will cover the costs of the care Lilibet needs. Let’s help raise the funds!