Background information

The infant mortality rate in Indonesia is the highest in all Asia.  Robin Lim, with a few full-time workers and many "floating" volunteers from around the word has for years been teaching gentle but modern birthing practices to Indonesian village midwives, while at the same time respecting their ancient traditions. The number of babies--and grateful mothers--who Robin has touched (in several senses), is very large.

(See What the Yayasan Bumi Sehat foundation does)

When the tsunami hit Aceh, Indonesia on December 26th, the need for Robin's skills became quickly apparent, not just for a few months, but for a continuing involvement.

Robin, her family and working associates underwent significant risks to visit Aceh, where the group dug latrines, pulled bodies out of the mud,  built a  the first clinic and began to train midwives. Her letters, photos and poetry offer us a first-hand look at  the depth of one of the most serious disasters in history, and give a  glimpse of her angelic working style.  By now, three stages of clinic buildings have evolved.

details

Robin and her foundation have been particularly successful in building cooperation between international aid organizations, the Indonesian government, and the local populations. For example, she was able to speed the delivery of sheltering tents and critical supplies which had been offered by larger organizations, to Aceh--even though there was a civil war going on in the area.

For months--many months, Robin and her volunteers of Bumi Sehat worked in concert with Oxfam, the United Nations and other NGO's to literally pull Aceh out of the mud.

By April 2006, many of the larger NGO's had left, either congratulating themselves that 'the work was done" or giving up in disheartened recognition that the changes to really re-build would "take too long".

Rather than pulling out, Robin has made the large decision to re-commit Yayasan Bumi Sehat's work within Aceh. Now, the real service begins.

Please help her work

This  website is dedicated to raising support for Robin's mission, including her new clinic in Aceh. We have specific goals, listed on our home page. We can act as a portal for two types of donations.

 Please join us in supporting Robin's efforts!

For more information on Robin Lim and her organization, see

Title Source (will open in a new window) Description     Ibu Robin Lim receives the 2006 International Alexander Langer Prize The Alexander Langer Foundation Discusses the reasons why Robin was awarded this prestigious European award     Robin's speech to the  Parliament of Italy The Alexander Langer Foundation "It seems Alexander Langer Foundation has chosen to honor my work ...because Bumi Sehat Foundation believes that peace begins with the smallest citizen, peace begins with babies..."     Half-Angel Robin Lim: A Midwife from Iowa Delivers Babies in Bali http://fairfield.freehosting.net/01oct/angel.html A touching article on Robin's day-to-day activities     Postpartum: Rebirth of the Woman Midwifery Today article, 2003 A discussion of oxytocin, the "love hormone" which forms the initial bond between mother and baby.     After the Baby's Birth ... a Woman's Way to Wellness: A Complete Guide for Postpartum Women. Tenspeed Press A guide for the first months of life, this book has become a classic in the field. It includes practical information on eating, herbology and physical exercises. It specializes in helping develop the pure and intense bond between mother and child which forms the basis for all civilization. Robin is a poet, and this book tackles with grace many concerns of the soul that may beset the new family.               Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy Midwifery Today article: circa 2002 A short article in an American magazine which has been very supportive of Robin.     Eating for Two: Recipes for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women Published by Tenspeed Press In EATING FOR TWO, Robin Lim presents more than 150 easy-to-prepare recipes, using wholesome and simple ingredients for achieving optimal health and avoiding discomforting side effects during pregnancy.