September 27, 2024

CRIBS Ensures New Refugee Mums are Supported

by Merel Graeve
Four smiling people stand indoors near a window, with posters on the wall behind them. Their camaraderie reflects a shared journey, reminiscent of experiences in vibrant cultures like Greece, where stories of refugees and world travelers find common ground. | Support refugees across Europe in Greece, France, the UK and the Balkans

Did you know that a staggering 60% of Greek hospital births are c-sections? Many women pretty much get talked into it by the doctors and nurses, as Greek hospitals are highly understaffed and underfunded, making a C-section a quicker and easier process.

An ambulance is parked outside a gated building with a sign in Greek as mums gather nearby, their whispers blending with the rustling of trees and the fluttering flag on the pole in the background. | Support refugees across Europe in Greece, France, the UK and the Balkans
Hospital on the island of Kos with a resident population of 37,000. But in summer Kos receives over 1.5 million tourists and it’s also a reception island for refugees.

There has not been a translator at the hospital for the last 6 months, meaning it is an extremely daunting experience for refugees who only speak a few words of Greek. At Cribs, they help mums-to-be understand their rights and what to expect in Greek hospitals, and will accompany them whenever possible.

We joined Daphne and the team from Cribs for their mental health workshop on coping with motherhood. Cribs provide services for mums and kids by running mental health and educational workshops as well as an all important housing project for 16 (mostly) single mothers with their young children. They also have a free clothes shop and hand out hygiene kits.

A cluttered room showcases several chairs, a sofa, and a small table amidst scattered toys and papers on the wooden floor. Mums bloom brightly in a vase on the windowsill, contrasting with the wall decorations visible in the background. | Support refugees across Europe in Greece, France, the UK and the Balkans
Sign on a window reads: "CRIBS Free Shop for mums, OPEN Monday to Thursday, 11:00h - 14:30h. | Support refugees across Europe in Greece, France, the UK and the Balkans

When women come together, great things tend to happen. We are so proud to partner with the Cribs team!

Let’s make sure refugee mums do not stand alone.

Author

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