She doesn’t know her mother is dead

Just reading the Sunday's, I came across a heart rending story about Karmeh, who still doesn't know her mother died of post-partum sepsis.

Developing world childbirth is far, far more dangerous than it is, for example, in this country, but I believe that charity begins at home and that means fixing the problems at home as well. The work that so many organisations - such as the White Ribbon Alliance - does is vital, but there is so far to go in ensuring the safety of our own mothers.

Back to Karmeh for second, and I question the wisdom of not telling her that her mother is dead. Waiting until she understands the concept of guilt may be too late to tell her the truth. My own children, Harry and Emily, know the truth, but Emily doesn't understand guilt so hasn't (quite rightly) felt it. She may do at some point in the future, but at least she won't have the truth to contend with at the same time.

For the moment, Jessica's Trust is committed to raising awareness of and preventing childbed fever deaths in this country, but one day (and I'm already having discussions to this end) I'd like to say, 'Job done. Now, what can Jessica do to help in the third world.'

All of our resources are limited, but please: do help where you can.

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