Testimonials

 

When I received the news that my husband and I were expecting, we were elated, excited and enthused about the news, but, at the end of my first trimester, when the feeling of utopia began to fade, my reality became very present. As a first time mother I knew absolutely nothing regarding childbearing and out of sheer panic,  googled and youtubed everything possible under the sun that came to mind on childbirth, but, the feeling and the fact still remained, that I wanted someone to take me by my hand and say “Stop panicking… firstly… you can do this…and secondly…this is how we’re going to do this…together”  

I thoroughly enjoyed all my prenatal visits at Mamatoto, my midwife not only cared about the baby’s health, but also about my emotional wellbeing. Their staff was  ALWAYS pleasant, friendly, caring and most importantly organized. They taught me everything I needed to know to prepare myself for the birth and early postnatal care.  for the birth and early postnatal care.  At visits my midwife would often talk to my baby boy telling him “ Hi Jachike it’s me, your midwife, Pattie how are you doing today?”. I even remember telling her at one point in time that Mamatoto made childbirth sound like a field filled  of butterflies, flowers, and unicorns, because they just made it sound so easy! but, she just smiled and responded  “ no it isn’t… but you can do it, because your body was designed for this! Visit after visit, week by week , as I came closer to my due date, the more confident I felt.

The day I went into labor my baby boy didn’t seem too pleased or thrilled  that my water bag had broken, subsequently for precautionary measures I had to be transferred. I was in a mess… I cried bitterly but, just as I was about to leave  Pattie came over to where I was seated,  gave me the biggest hug that was physically possible with her tiny frame and said to me “Don’t worry you’ll be just fine!” And I was. The next day Pattie came to visit my baby boy and I.  She held him and with that same sweet, soft voice said “Hi Jachike it’s me your midwife…Pattie!”

Thank you Mamatoto for easing and transforming  all the negative thoughts and feelings I had towards childbirth into ones of trust, confidence and bravery.     

Love Azubike, Dana and Baby Jachike.

 

Mamatoto is your go-to place for everything concerning pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. This little gem in Belmont is a very clean, intimate space where you and your partner will be welcomed by warm, professional and knowledgeable staff from your first visit. As a first-time mum, I went to Mamatoto for my monthly/weekly visits and childbirth classes with Pati (@lamazeclass / Birth Works TT), attended pre-natal yoga classes with Doreen (@treeoflifett), laboured there assisted by Pati, Laura Ann (doula) and my husband, went to follow-up visits and I now plan to attend some of their postpartum groups. My husband and I were extremely impressed with all the services and the care that we received. Mamatoto respects women’s birth rights and their requests are always heard and welcomed. Debbie and her team do a great job at promoting a positive birth experience by seeing this life-changing event as a natural yet powerful experience, which can truly empower women and remind them of their inner strength. I could go on and on to talk about this place which I highly recommend to any mum-to-be. Thank you!

Gui

I could say nothing but good words about the beautiful staff at Mamatoto’s birthing center. My husband and I were able to have both daughters at this wonderful place with nothing but the best treatment . I couldn’t see myself being that comfortable at a hospital . Thank you for being nothing less than the best and living up to all your promises.

Sheviza

Having my very first baby here was one of the best decisions I made concerning my pregnancy and labour. The atmosphere is one of love. The birthing classes with Marilyn were very informative. My midwife, Debrah is very supportive, from my ante natal visits to present. My doula, Marian was an angel and I honestly cannot think I could have gone through labour without her. I am so grateful that I didn’t listen to the nay sayers about having my first baby here away from the hospital. Even my fiance who was doubtful up to the very day I gave birth now boasts of his experience to everyone. I would recommend Mamatoto to anyone and everyone. Thank you Mamatoto for everything.

Lindsay

Care, love and professionalism. The staff of Mamatoto sure showed this from first interaction to present. My husband and I are thankful for what we shared during the labour and delivery of our gift from God. Being able to have our family in the family room and my husband at my side though it all was what I wanted and I was able to have that at Mamatoto. Thank you Pati and Debbie, two great midwives who added to the experience of a lifetime.

Jonece

Mamatoto Resource and Birth Centre – The best birthing experience for your wives….
Nothing can compare….trust me…May the good lord continue to bless this effort and reward you sisters immensely!!!
Feraz

While I was in Barbados over the summer I found out I was pregnant, words cannot express the fright and confusion that took over me. I was just seventeen and a child myself.

When I returned to Trinidad my mother spoke to my sister godmother and she suggested that I check out Mamatoto Birthing Centre where she had her son. Mummy called immediately and we went to orientation. By the time I left some of my fears were gone. I felt welcomed and not judged because of my age. I got to meet all of the midwives during my check-ups where we bonded. On the day of my delivery my doula and my midwife made my delivery as comfortable and relaxing as they could. Thanks to their kind words and gestures my delivery was very safe and secure.

I could never express all the thanks, gratitude, great respect and love for the staff at Mamatoto.

Thanks again.

Shannoah

The ABSOLUTE BEST Birthing experience EVER. I feel so fulfilled and happy to have had full control and support through my pregnancy and delivery. The midwife and doula care and attentiveness to detail was superb. The experience of warmth and love is like no other. I wish every mother could experience this place as I did. You will never regret it. Thank you Mamatoto. You will forever be in my family’s hearts.
Candace

I miss being pregnant because of how great the experience was! I almost want to be pregnant all the time just to come to MRBC!
Anon

To all the midwives and doulas, a special howde and please keep up the good work. Keep on thanking you guys for all you’ve done for my daughter and I, and you guys always have a special place in our hearts forever more! Keep on bringing joy and happiness to many more mothers and mothers to be and their families.
Monique

About three years ago we gave birth to our first child at Mamatoto Resource and Birth Centre. After the amazing experience we had the first time, we decided that if given the opportunity, we would not hesitate to give birth to our second child there as well. From the sincere dedication and care of the midwives to the atmosphere and décor at the birthing centre, it was the closest experience to a home birth. We are currently serving as religious volunteers at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel where we found out we were expecting our second child. We decided that it was best for us to return to Trinidad for the birth. We were blessed to be able to give birth to our second child on September 4​ th​ 2015 at Mamatoto with the financial assistance of its sponsors. Even though each of our two birthing experiences was very unique and quite different from each other, the one thing that never changed was the level of care, compassion and attention given by the staff at Mamatoto. The skill and experience shown by the midwives and doulas together with the warmth and patience showered upon us make them our number one choice if we ever decide to have our number three. Our deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation to everyone who made it possible for us to have yet another amazing birthing experience.
With love, Tamara and Jahangir

Had yet another baby at Mamatoto on September 18th and it was great! Thank you Mamatoto for all your kindness and patience! You guys are exceptional!!!
Neesie

We love the balance between a family (informal) environment and professionalism. We would highly recommend it!
Anon

Mamatoto provided me with the most amazing natural birth experience. I’ll be forever grateful to have had such a beautiful birth that I was able to share with my family.
Samantha John

Dear Ladies,
It is quite a relief just to know that a place like this exists. My life partner and I are profoundly grateful that we were able to access your services for a second time. But it is not just your ‘services’ that we are thankful for. It is so many things, like the extra time and care that is taken at every prenatal visit and during labour, or the respect demonstrated for our needs and preferences. You made sure we never felt patronized, ignored, rushed or dismissed. Having experienced various parts of both the public and private health care system in Trinidad, I assure you, this is no small compliment. Your standard of care ought to be a benchmark.

That you are able to do all that you do and, further, to open your doors to the less financially able is a small miracle. I trust that the community you have built will keep on working such miracles and that many, many more women and families will benefit. And, more importantly, that the work that you do will encourage even more women to seek outcomes and processes that empower them.

Cecile

MAMATOTO is truly a GEM in the Caribbean! The moment I entered the center, every concern that I had was subsequently laid to rest. The highest level of cleanliness which I observed in every corner of the facility, in and of itself, gives/gave birth to a peaceful environment which instantly, and over the course of my repeated visits, always put me at ease. Add to this the professional, courteous and approachable character of all of the staff, made for the proverbial “heaven on earth”.

All of this, when taken together, is of the uttermost importance for an expectant mother. During my visits there, I learned so much from the midwives that helped me to have the best natural birthing experience ever. I have had four prior conventional deliveries, but I will forever cherish the MAMATOTO experience! If/When I decide to have another child, MAMATOTO will definitely be the place!

Chandra

I thank God for Mamatoto Resource and Birth Centre being there for me at a most difficult, precious and critical time in my life, the birth of my first child. Due to my circumstances at the time, I received funding through the Centre for which I am forever grateful. My Mamatoto birth team, which included a Midwife, an Intern Midwife and my Doula, made my child labour and birthing experience extra special.

Along with the natural pain relief techniques used by my Doula and the freedom of movement allowed at Mamatoto, I walked, climbed stairs, did squats and danced to music, which helped me manage my contractions and the pain very well. I had originally planned a water birth, but eventually birthed my daughter on a birthing stool, which was ideal for me. By God’s grace and thanks to Mamatoto I brought forth my daughter, Rebekah Dévine Clarke naturally and gracefully. It was the most amazing, beautiful and memorable experience of my entire life to date. Many Many thanks from Rebekah and me.

Ruth 

I just have seen again the birth pictures of Victor. It’s still an unforgettable moment. I want to thank you again for letting me giving birth in such conditions, and to live with this beautiful baby, almost three years and a half! thank you thank you!!!! I keep you in my heart.

Nathalie Tocchet, Victor’s mummy

Folks like you all are real national heroes. Whether or not there is widespread public recognition or even national awards, the work that you all have done in establishing and following through both with TIBS and Mamatoto is a priceless life’s work of commitment and love. Certainly it is work that touches thousands of lives, including those whom you never meet and could never count because one life touches another and we’re all so connected. God Bless you all and your work, always.

Dr. Amanda Jones

Where do I start? The beginning is always a good place I suppose.

From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I knew that I was not going to the hospital to have this baby. From the start I knew I was looking for something different; more kind, compassionate, caring. Then I found Mamatoto’s web page. I more than double checked to make sure it was in Trinidad. It felt right to me and the life growing inside me agreed.

I just needed a way to convince my partner. That wasn’t difficult once he saw the website also. We were delighted and relieved to find the actual place matched the scene on the internet. We were even more delighted to be accepted to have our baby at Mamatoto.

The care and support I personally felt while coming for my check ups, and I know my partner felt it too, was exactly what I needed. We wanted you both to know that we appreciate it more than I can ever express in words.

Now that baby Kiran is here, I miss coming to the Centre and seeing you every week. I wish I had all my babies at Mamatoto. The birth was more than I expected, and the experience of having you care for me, along with my wonderful doula, was truly a gift that I am ever so grateful for.

Anyhow, what started off as a note has turned into a letter. There is so much I want to say, but mainly THANK YOU FOR HELPING BRING OUR SON INTO THIS WORLD SAFELY AND WITH LOVE.

MANY, MANY THANKS.

Paul and Theresa Limerick

My granddaughter was birth # 100 @ Mamatoto. What joy! From the time I walked in, a little anxious @ 5:45 am, I was @ home. The centre gives you such a gracious welcome, even the furnishings & the artwork invite you to slow down & enjoy the space, and of course the women of Mamatoto are all about making this the most special time of all. I think its a peace you experience within these walls, one of competence & understanding, of pure kindness towards a mother giving birth. The water birth is truly a gentle & natural way of birthing a child, the mid wives – absolutely wonderful, and Sophie’s doula, a loving, amazing woman who could not have been more supportive.

What an experience for a mother to be with her child, with child…now to share in this, I can’t tell you how appreciative I am! Even after Sloane came home mere hours later, Mamatoto has been a phone call away, and the advice & support is ever present.

To the strong, caring women of Mamatoto, to those of you with the vision, the determination & the will to create this place for your sisters in their time of need, THANK YOU. You are our heroes. There is a sisterhood growing here of pure love, and it began when your gentle hands reached out & said, ‘Come let me share your pain, together we will celebrate life!

Thank You to you all. Always love!
Granny GAGA.
Kathryn Stollmeyer Wight

 

Ahhhh! Finally another tool to help me spread the word! Congrats on your new site. I can’t wait to use ‘our’ room again. Thanks to Mamatoto I had the greatest experience of my life. I am forever in your debt. Special thanks to Dianne who is more than a midwife to us.
Abbie & Julien

During my stay, I made use of everything in my room: the bed, the bath, the birthing stool, the bean bag and even the walls.The privacy at mamatoto was comforting, the rooms super complete and best of all the staff who were so dedicated and encouraging. My doula never left my side and my two midwives were so competent and professional. Their reassurance and guidance throughout labour was amazing. I am so grateful for all the support I received and am still receiving from Mamatoto: it is the most up-to-date mother and baby friendly place for giving birth in Trinidad.
Robin

My wife had done a lot of research concerning natural birth and after some discussion we decided that we wanted to have a midwife and a water birth. Ilona is our first child, a beautiful baby girl, and we know that part of her temperament can be accredited to the education and care which the midwives at Mamatoto provided to us during our pregrancy, during childbirth and up to this day. We were fortunate to be the first waterbirth performed at Mamatoto, but this did not mean there was any drop in quality or professionalism…in fact, far, far from it! We had the privilege of having two midwives and a doula, and the support – both emotional and scientific – during childbirth has my immeasurable gratitude.

Mags, Debbie and Dianne will forever be friends of this household. They even made me feel like I was doing a great job during the labour process, despite being pretty nervous. My advice to all my friends and to everyone: if you can, get a midwife, definitely get a doula (trust me, you have no idea how helpful a doula can be) and choose Mamatoto.

Dwaynne Villiers