A Perspective Shift — Birth and Blessings

A personal reflection of the different experiences of pregnancy around the world — by Mallory Webster, Communications Manager

I clearly remember the day I found out we were going to have a baby. The world seemed to shift — everything paused as my husband and I thanked God for this gift of life, and began planning what life would look like with this new blessing. 

My pregnancy came at an interesting time. At 9 weeks pregnant, my husband and I traveled to Guatemala City, Guatemala to capture stories of Midwest Mission’s impact in the world. 

I was extremely excited as I always am when I get to visit our recipients. But, I'll admit, my pregnancy added some nervousness. I hadn’t had my first appointment yet, so I was in this odd state of wondering “is this really real?” and also knowing that the constant nausea pointed to “yes, this is absolutely real.”

My expectation was to go, spend time with people, and come back and share the life-transformation that is happening because of people like you who give time and resources to people you may never meet. 

And that did happen! We were overwhelmed as we heard story after story of someone’s life changed, or even saved, because they received Rice and Soy Blessing Bags, or an elderly woman in tears because she could go to church again after receiving a wheelchair, or a group of women who learn to sew on Midwest Mission sewing machines, which became the outlet for discipleship and truly deep community and transformation. (Stay tuned for the 2025 Impact Report coming in February to read these stories in full!)

But, the biggest imprint on my heart was unexpected, and was only made because of the unique timing of this trip. 

There I was, barely pregnant (at least compared to the 6 ½ months pregnant I am now!), full of worries and expectation, but hit over the head (metaphorically of course) with perspective.

We had the opportunity to visit a local clinic run by a Parish. Because of the insanely busy traffic of Guatemala City (I’m talking what could take 30 minutes at 3am could take 4 hours at 9am), these neighborhood clinics are vital for patients to receive life-saving care.

This clinic in particular was very important because it had the only sonogram machine available in the area. There were many hospitals that didn’t even have the simple capability of an ultrasound. The OBGYN would be in a couple days a week, and the street would be lined with expecting moms who eagerly awaited the chance to be seen by a doctor.

I arrived in Guatemala anxious because I had to wait one more week to see our baby for the first time, but while there, I realized so many families never get the comfort of knowing if everything is okay. They don’t get the ultrasounds and the doctor appointments, the checkups and the choices, or the birth-plans.

It made me think back to my time in Honduras this past March. We had the chance to visit a Maternity Clinic in a rural community outside of San Pedro Sula.

We toured the quaint clinic — the only clinic accessible to hundreds, maybe thousands, of women living around this area. It was honestly a great clinic. It had air conditioning, multiple exam rooms, and a delivery room (interestingly translated to the “Expulsion Room”) with the necessary equipment, including Midwest Mission Birthing Kits. This was more than most clinics were blessed to have, but it was still the bare minimum compared to our U.S. standards.

We met with Midwives who walk into the mountains, helping women deliver their babies in less-than-ideal conditions. Birth in houses with dirt floors and animals running around, women who had never had the opportunity to see a doctor, praying everything was okay. 

Midwest Mission Birthing Kits are vital both at the clinic and for Midwives doing house calls. Two receiving blankets (one literally used to receive the baby), umbilical cord clamps, soap, a wash cloth, a scalpel, surgical gloves, a hand towel, and two trash bags. That’s it. That’s what they use to bring new life into the world.

What a change of perspective for me as I journey through pregnancy and anticipation.

Now, I sit writing this newsletter, three months away from giving birth, even more overwhelmed with perspective, and a realization of the blessings I have. 

My experience: 

After finding out I was pregnant, I called my doctor and scheduled an appointment. Around 11 weeks, I met with my doctor, got lab work and an ultrasound, able to see that little peanut swimming around for the first time. I learned about what the next months would look like — the other appointments I’d have, the “to do’s” and “not to-do’s,” the choices to make like which hospital I want to give birth in, if I wanted to register for any classes, and if we wanted genetic testing done. At 20 weeks, we had our anatomy scan, finding out we are having a little girl who is healthy. I began working on my baby registry as my loved ones excitedly asked where I was registered. 

Delivery will be in a well-lit, clean, and sterile environment with many nurses and doctors checking in on me and the baby. Resources and doctors will be available if any complications arise.

I could go on…. But you get the point. Every piece of this experience is a blessing I refuse to take for granted. And, I know this isn’t even the experience all women get in the United States.

Many women’s experience, especially in developing countries:

Hope the long walk (miles and miles) to the clinic is worth it and the doctor is in, and the equipment is working so they might be able to see their baby.

Lots of prayer.

Deliver the baby as safely as possible — hopefully in a rural clinic that’s well-equipped, but also likely at home, with the bare minimum. 

And for some, they receive the blessing of a Birthing Kit to make those less-than-ideal circumstances a little safer, a little easier, and a little more comfortable.

No appointments, no birth plans, little-to-no resources.

It’s all about perspective. And, coming out of the Christmas season,  I can’t help but think through Mary’s position as an expectant mother, nervous, full of anticipation, and giving birth in circumstances that mirror many mothers’ around the world. It wasn’t the bright and sterile hospital room, but the dark and dirt-covered, yet holy night of birth that brought the Savior into the world.

I hope my ramblings of my own perspective shift help you see your own blessings in life, and see the world through the eyes of women who come from different circumstances than many of us.

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In reflection of the Christmas season, this December, we have made the goal of raising funds to send 2,000 Birthing Kits to expecting mothers in 2026.

2,000 mothers will be able to breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they have what they need.

2,000 babies will be able to safely enter the world because of the gift of a Birthing Kit.

Midwives and doctors will be empowered through these tools and will receive the hope that comes from them. And don’t forget, each Kit is packed with a prayer card. Every person involved will know people they might never meet have surrounded the birth in prayer.

It’s really quite beautiful.

$12 provides a Birthing Kit to an expecting mother in need. 

This end-of-year, would you consider giving the gift of one, two, maybe ten Birthing Kits?

We are blessed, and out of our blessings we give so that more people may have what they need in Christ’s name.

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If you'd like to give the gift of a Birthing Kit, you can give online at midwestmission.org/christmas or send a check with "Birthing Kits" in the memo to 1001 Mission Drive, Pawnee, IL 62558.

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