Walter is a baby boy who lives in rural Guatemala with his parents and older brother. His father works as an agricultural day laborer. Walter was born via C-section in March after a complicated pregnancy. His mother has since been unable to produce enough breastmilk to feed Walter, causing him to lose weight.
Without milk, Walter will not be able to maintain his current weight or to grow. Lactation failure can lead to starvation and dehydration and provoke electrolyte imbalances that can cause seizures. Brain development occurring during this delicate time can also be compromised, putting the baby at risk of long-term damage. To stabilize his condition, Walter was given a preliminary supply of formula.
Walter’s family is often unable to meet their basic expenses, which puts baby formula far outside of their economic reach. His parents have been worried about how to provide milk for Walter.
Lactation failure, while dangerous, is easy to treat. By supplying Walter with formula and his family with health education, he will receive the calories he needs to grow and thrive. One-on-one motivational education with Walter’s mother will teach her how to create a nutritious, inexpensive diet for Walter. Walter’s immune system will strengthen, and he will grow to be a healthy, energetic baby.
Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is requesting $1,162 to pay for the treatment program, which is scheduled to begin on April 4.
Walter’s mother shares, “I have been worried, because I don’t have enough breastmilk to feed my son. My husband and I have been thinking about what to do, because we don’t have the resources to buy him milk, but now I want to thank you for the help my son will receive. May God bless you. My desire is to see my son grow healthy and be able to go to school.”