Well Baby Clinic... a simple solution to a huge problem

Children (with moms support) wait for a life saving check-up.   

Encouraging and paving the way for Dr. Palmer to come to the United States to observe Well Baby Clinics in the Chicago, Indianapolis, and Michigan was just an extension of the commitment Bob and Carol Stoner made to Kissy Clinic after taking a mission trip to Sierra Leone in 2004.   In the subsequent trips back to the Freetown area a deep relationship had developed with the medical team and support staff for the Clinic. Dr. Palmer is a young and bright pediatrician who in less than 4 months of her visit to the US implemented a Well Baby Clinic in conjuntion with the health care services at Kissy to address the immediate needs of women and children.    Dr. Palmer writes: 

A concerned mother who learned about the clinic brought in her month old infant who was born at 32 weeks (8 weeks premature), weighing 1.9 kg (or 4.18 pounds) at time of first visit. She had a host of questions concerning her child's slow weight gain, and wide open fontanelle's (“soft spots”). We have been monitoring the head circumference and its rate of growth and are reassured that the child is not developing hydrocephalus. So far he has caught up on his social and motor development and the mother is happy with his developmental progress.

When the statistics indicated  Sierra Leone has the world's highest rate of mortality for children under the age of 5, Kissy Clinic and those close to the project came together to  create a plan for addressing a huge problem in the country.   Connections with people like Carol and Bob Stoner, Dr. Leland, and other medical professions in the US, Dr. Palmer was given a glimpse into the world of what might be if a mother had the option to get health consultations for her newborn child for five years.   One child at a time...these children now have a chance to celebrate their 6th birthday. Thanks to all who have supported our yearly mission trips whether it be in going with the team, being a prayer support, or a financial supporter. Valparaiso 1st is making a difference.