Caring for Pregnant, Birthing, and Postpartum Families in Lahaina

August 28, 2023 - Maui nonprofit Pacific Birth Collective was established seven years ago with the goal of creating an effective, comprehensive network of Maui care providers in pregnancy, birth and postpartum services—everything from doulas and midwives to bodyworkers and nutritionists.

When news of the devastation caused by the fires across Maui broke, PBC sprang into action, purchasing, with grant money from the Maui Strong Fund, a mobile care unit dedicated to providing essential care and support to pregnant, birthing, and postpartum families in Lahaina and Kahakuloa who have been displaced and negatively impacted. “We quickly saw the need to get out to the West Side mamas, to get healthcare to them directly,” says PBC board president and co-founder Sonya Niess. “There are quite a few community members, pregnant women, who are wanting to stay on the West Side, in their homes. They don’t want to leave. The mobile unit allows us to meet the people where they’re at. And that is something we’re excited about.”

PBC also converted its office space in Haʻikū into a donation and distribution center for much needed supplies, including formula, diapers, menstrual products, clothing, medical supplies, and more.

Niess says the outpouring of support and generosity has been overwhelming. “The messages we receive from families who have accepted the goods that they need are so heartwarming,” she says. “It really hits the heart of why we’re doing the work we’re doing.”

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