A young married couple from a war-torn country sought a safer life in the Mid-South as refugees. Shortly after arriving, the young wife discovered she was pregnant, expecting their first child. The young couple requested services from a United Way sponsored refugee program to locate employment.
The mother-to-be learned she had gestational diabetes, which made the pregnancy high-risk. With a pregnancy program, but no knowledge of overcoming diabetes by the American medical system, she returned to a United Way program for help. She began to volunteer at the refugee programs office as a receptionist, and the program located a mentor/birthing coach to work with the couple during the pregnancy.
The mentor was there for prenatal visits, helping explain medical information and assisting in adjusting the young woman’s diet for her diabetic condition. The mentor also hosted a baby shower for the couple, helped in the preparation for the baby’s arrival and even aided the couple as a birthing partner. She witnessed the birth, but unfortunately there was a terrible accident in the delivery room. During birth, the baby’s arm was injured. After birth, the baby was unable to use the arm. The mentor helped explore additional medical options and has served as an advocate for the family in dealings with TennCare, the medical system, Social Security and the legal system.
The baby is in physical therapy, and the situation is being monitored for possible surgery. The child now has limited movement in the injured arm, and the situation may require years of treatment. The mentor and the refugee program will be there every step of the way, guiding the family with emotional support and information.
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