At Hamlin Fistula New Zealand, we understand only too well the deep shame and distress that comes with devastating childbirth injuries such as obstetric fistula or advanced pelvic organ prolapse.
Alongside the physical pain and discomfort, many women live with the daily challenge of managing the incontinence and odour that can accompany these injuries. For women who have often suffered in silence for years, this can be deeply isolating.
That is why every woman arriving at one of Hamlin's six hospitals, receives a Comfort Package. A valued part of the Hamlin Model of Care, each Comfort Package contains practical items to help a woman feel fresh, clean and cared for, often for the first time in many years.
More than a gift, the Comfort Package is a tangible expression of the compassion at the heart of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s work. It reflects the dignity, kindness and understanding with which every woman is treated during her stay, recognising not only her physical needs but also the emotional suffering and trauma she has endured.
What does a Comfort Package include?
Each Hamlin Comfort Package includes thoughtful items that help restore comfort and dignity, including:
• a beautiful Hamlin blanket, handmade by volunteers around the world
• hygiene items such as soap to keep themselves clean
• a new nightgown and slippers, luxuries for women who often arrive in stained clothes
• a brand-new dress to wear home, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
As a charity and non-profit organisation, we are thankful that our donors around the globe play a vital role in providing every Comfort Package, helping to fund the items they contain and using their creative skills to make the now-iconic blankets.
Likelesh, a former patient who now manages the stock and distribution of the blankets across Hamlin’s six fistula hospitals, understands their significance deeply. She says:
“Many patients dislike seeing their clothes soiled with urine, so these blankets are incredibly important to them. Many choose to discard their old clothes and wear the blankets instead. Some even use them while they sleep. They love the warmth and comfort these blankets provide.”
They also become a treasured keepsake for former patients. Likelesh explains: “When they return to their families, their relatives frequently ask where they got the blankets and this brings further delight to the patients. They wear the blankets with pride.”
What is the Hamlin Model of Care?
At Hamlin, we know that obstetric fistula affects far more than a woman’s body.
In response, Australian surgeon, Dr Catherine Hamlin developed the Hamlin Model of Care. Today, it remains a leading approach to fistula treatment because it cares for the whole person with respect and compassion.
Alongside expert surgery, the Hamlin Model of Care addresses the physical, emotional and psychological effects of obstetric fistula and other childbirth injuries.
This includes not only medical treatment, but practical and compassionate support, such as the gift of a Comfort Package, which helps a woman feel safe, comfortable and cared for during her recovery.
From world-leading surgical treatment to thoughtful items that restore comfort and dignity, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia cares for the whole person.
Like a warm hug after years of isolation, a Comfort Package tells each woman that she matters.
We hope you will consider donating a Comfort Package today.
Donate a Comfort Package
