An Intro From Our Founder

I have been living in Penang for well over 20 years at this point in working in various local empowerment and service roles across Asia. However, my heart broke every time I heard the sad stories of refugees who had attempted to give birth alone and outside of medical care. It was the image of the fatal postpartum hemorrhage that stuck in my mind and did not allow me to rest. 

My background in midwifery flooded my thoughts with possible ways in which I could help Rohingya mums and change these awful, desperate, and sad stories. 

Unattended home births and the many 'not-good’ outcomes could be changed with loving, caring help. The fear of incrimination or arrest, lack of money for heavy hospital bills, and the possible unfair or harsh treatment could not be allowed to rob the Rohingya of the right to a healthy pregnancy. These women have a right to safe labour & birth, as well as the FAMILY that is possibly one of the few possessions they still have! 

Glyn teaching a prenatal class

I knew that I could use my training and experience to help avoid maternal and infant mortalities and bring HOPE and LOVING CARE to these women and their families. I began providing services on my own, one family at a time. Numbers grew, and the impact of the ‘little I provided’ was greatly appreciated and brought the change I had hoped for. 

Six years ago, I started with no translator, except for a Bahasa-speaking lady who could help the husbands of my laboring mothers understand the situation and speak to their wives in Rohingya. This is far outside the norm of Rohingya culture, where births happen completely at home with the support of a midwife and female relatives only.

As more and more families needed assistance, I began to partner with other service providers to increase healthcare access for them. In time, a team of dedicated volunteers, each one bearing the same compassion and desire for change, formed. 

In order to meet the growing challenge, Breathe Life was established. Empowered by support from people like yourself, hope and change can be inspired in the lives of thousands of needy families. 

Since then, what a ride it has been! With ever-increasing numbers, we have unending opportunities to love, care, and inspire hope. Breathe Life serves, educates, advises, and assists more than 100 families (on our records) at any given time. Day and night, we are challenged to show them acceptance, respect, and care; and we are constantly looking for those willing to give of their time or money to support our work.

My approach may not be the easiest or most convenient way to enter into a meaningful relationship with refugee families. Being 24/7 on call for anyone is difficult, but it certainly is worthwhile, fruitful, and such a privilege. I remain THANKFUL — even when it is hard, exhausting, and when I would love to be sleeping instead! Somehow, I find strength through a love that overcomes!