October 20, 2024
Midwives on the Frontline: The Mental Health Toll in Haiti
Sara Jean is a midwife and mother living in Haiti. On World Mental Health Day, she shared her experience providing care for pregnant people and being pregnant herself amid political instability.
In response to a question gauging the impact of the political crisis on her mental health and well-being, Jean reveals:
“The ongoing political crisis in Haiti has taken a significant toll on my mental health. I often feel stressed, suffer from insomnia, nervousness, severe headaches, difficulty concentrating, and at times, I experience symptoms of depression. I find myself constantly worrying about my little girl—her future, and the completion of her school year, which is repeatedly disrupted by armed gang invasions or the never-ending socio-political unrest in Haiti.”
Pregnancy and child birth do not stop in times of crisis. Jean reflected on how the situation has affected her work as a midwife:
“In Haiti, for example, since the political situation worsened, all systems and structures have fallen apart. Midwives leave their homes each day to go to work, without knowing what lies ahead. With 80% of the capital now considered lost territory, controlled by heavily-armed gangs, midwives must cross these dangerous areas regularly to provide essential care to women in these communities.”
“When we finally reached our destination, one of the most dangerous regions in Haiti, all the serious injury cases, gunshot wounds, and sexual assaults caused by the armed groups came into the hospital where I was working. It was heartbreaking to see that no one was spared, and it deeply upset me.”
Based on her lived experience in Haiti, Jean offers five recommendations for organizations to support midwives in similar crisis settings globally:
- Specialized training in perinatal mental health
- Emergency response training
- Access to resources and support networks
- Inter-professional support
- Personal emotional support and stress management
Read more:
Pass the mic: Sara Jean, World Mental Health Day, International Confederation of Midwives
