Ixo'q Tob'anel, The Woman Who Accompanies

Ixo'q Tob'anel, The Woman Who Accompanies

By Paola Vasquez | Contame Manager

Isabel López with newborn

Thanks to your donations through GlobalGiving, we are strengthening the valuable work of the "Ixo'q Tob'anel" (Doula, the woman who accompanies), represented by Isabel López. Isabel helps pregnant women give birth more humanely and respectfully. An example of her work is accompanying María during her pregnancy and at the time of delivery in the hospital, providing her with confidence and peace of mind.

Isabel's work does not end with the birth of the baby. According to the ancestral cosmogony of the Mayan culture, a woman needs a two-year period to recover fully. Through this time Isabel has continued to provide support and empowerment to María, demonstrating that the women of our communities can always count on a friend in the Highland Women's Association, AMA. All of this is possible thanks to your generous support.

Doña Isabel comments: Being "Ixo'q Tob'anel" (Doula) is a life commitment, a spiritual service paid with people’s trust. In our communities, many women do not have access to a hospital that understands them according to their language and customs. That is why, our work is so important. With the right support, we can continue saving lives and provide a safe and respectful environment for every mother.”

Additionally, the prevention programming of our Women's Circles (CMA) is always one step ahead. Volunteers like Andrea Sontay, a student at Rafael Landívar University, have come together to offer training in the language of our partners, future mothers, on diabetes prevention and how to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Lesly & Andrea training future moms in Guatemala