Zita’s Healthy Beginnings
Sister Zita Iwuoha
Zita’s Healthy Beginnings seeks to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and foster the body, mind, and spirit of mothers in Nigeria as well as in the United States. Maternal and infant mortality rates in these two countries are among the highest of their respective peers.
In Nigeria, this is largely due to unavailability and inadequacy of health care services.
The United States has more health care options and services, but they remain inaccessible to many minority women.
Zita’s Healthy Beginnings is working to close this gap through advocacy, education, and training of Doulas who provide support throughout the birthing process.
Umuawuchi, Nigeria
Pittsburgh PA, USA
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8+ medical missions
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2,000+ community members served
- 20+ productive harvest seasons
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2,000+ lactation consultations
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500+ health education seminar attendees
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Sponsored and advanced cohort
of 5 professional Doulas
Sister Zita welcomes you on Video
Letter From The Founder
My name is Sister Zita Iwuoha. I was born and raised in Nigeria. I am a nurse and a midwife with over twenty years of experience.
Gallery
Come and view our gallery of images from our school and events that we have had.
Our Mission
The organization seeks to reduce Maternal and Infant mortality by providing access to fertility education, training of community health workers, prenatal care and safe delivery to all mothers.
Board Members
Our board members have a very diverse background in both the United States and Nigeria.Come and learn who they are
Opportunities
How You Can Get Involved
The Free Annual Medical Clinic in Nigeria
Our Story
When I was seven years old, my mother shared her ordeal with me, I admired her courage, resilience, and sacrifice, all done to save my life, and I said to her that I would travel the world and take care of women and children whenever I grew up.
After my secondary school education, I struggled with choosing a career part, but one thing that was clear in my mind was the plan to travel the world and provide care to women and children.
I finally decided to become a nurse and a midwife, knowing that these caring professions pointed to what my heart desired. I completed Nursing and Midwifery education in Nigeria.
I worked in Nigeria for a few years after becoming a missionary Sister and have traveled to many parts of the world to provide care to the different populations, especially women and children, for almost 29 years.
In 2015, I worked for the Allegheny health department as a family Nurse partnership RN and home visiting. I worked for four years in this capacity, and I experienced a lot of maternal and child health disparities. I recognized the problems women encounter in accessing health care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, and I wondered how to help.
In February 2016, I founded a nonprofit organization called Zita’s Healthy Beginning. This organization aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Western Pennsylvania and Nigeria, where maternal and infant mortality is high. We accomplish this through education, training of Doulas, and advocacy. Zita’s Healthy Beginnings conducts annual free clinic in Nigeria. We have secured a piece of land to build a standard maternity hospital (Birthing Place) where women can access care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
When I reflect on my life journey, I can say that God has positioned me to use my life story, experiences, and skills to provide care to families, especially women and children. I see this call as my mission, passion, and purpose.
The Last Three Blog Posts
Fact v Fiction: Perinatal/Post-Partum Depression
Can you recognize the signs and symptoms of Perinatal/Post-Partum Depression? Do you know the risk factors? You might be surprised. Read on to learn more.
What is a Doula?
A Doula provides consistency, stability, and comfort at any time throughout the birthing process.
Graduation of Our First Professional Doulas
Zita’s Healthy Beginnings is thrilled to announce the graduation of our very first cohort of professional Doulas. Our graduates have worked very hard over the last 10 weeks and we couldn’t be prouder. From here, they go out into the community to put their training into practice. Doulas provide an invaluable element of the birthing process: love and support.
