Mothers' Stories: Lay Htoo, Thailand

Lay Htoo and her newborn at the Tham Hin refugee camp, near the Thailand-Myanmar border.

Photo: Peter Biro/IRC

Happy Mother's Day!  Over the past week we've been sharing some of our favorite stories about mothers:

Nestled deep in the hills of Western Thailand, the Tham Hin refugee camp houses nearly 8,000 people, mostly refugees from Myanmar.  Each year, 15 midwives trained by the International Rescue Committee examine and support hundreds of women and children in the camp. 

Lay Htoo, 20, is looking at her newborn daughter Di Lay, born a few hours earlier in the camp’s maternity ward. The first-time mother is being treated for tuberculosis and is very weak. “I’m tired but very happy,” she smiles.

View a photo essay about the work of the lifesaving midwives of Tham Hin

Honor a Mother, Rescue Another

Help a mother like Lay Htoo by dedicating an IRC Safe Birthing Kit to a special mother in your life.