First Breath International

Written by First Breath founder Katrina Rauch

First Breath International is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating deaths of mamas and babies in the hardest to reach and most rural places on the planet. We work where we are invited and in partnership with local long term organizations for lasting impacts. Our previous work has included training specialized doulas and providing reproductive and childbirth education. 

We are most proud of supplying more than 1500 birth kits in the countries of Ethiopia, Tanzania, Guinea Bissau and Haiti. Our birth kits are designed to prevent infection and hemorrhage in under-resourced areas. They are light weight, with simple illustrated instructions to overcome language and literacy barriers.

What are we doing in 2026? In collaboration with others we are establishing a birth center in the remote area of Gabu, Guinea-Bissau with the intention of helping mamas and babies survive pregnancy, birth and the early weeks.

Why Gabu? The locals have a systemic fear of pregnancy. They are reporting that nearly 4 out of 10 of their pregnant women don't survive. The women here face complications related to malnutrition, anemia, twin pregnancy, hypertension, infections, teen pregnancy, female genital mutilation, poor economic status, social stigmas and abuse. In 2023 we were invited to partner with a local ministry to help train midwives and create a business plan for a birth center in this under-resourced community. The building is up, equipment and furniture is on the way, and the student midwives are finalizing their book work!

What is left to do? The students need supervised birth experience. From October to December 2026 the birth center will be open and running for births! First Breath International will preceptor and support these early weeks of the new birth center to promote a successful start. Among administrative logistics, we anticipate 50-70 births will take place giving the new midwives a variety of hands-on experience.

How will Breech without Borders collaboration help? All of the Gabu region birth attendants need the highest level of instruction because surgical and medical assistance is often unavailable. Breech Without Borders can teach these advanced skills through didactic and hands-on training with specific consideration of the resource restrictions in Guinea-Bissau.

We are excited and honored to collaborate with you!!

Previous and ongoing organizations First Breath has partnered with: 

Would you like to support this initiative? Please consider donating at bit.ly/givetoBWB. For sending large donations, please inquire at info@breechwithoutborders.org.