Located in Albuquerque’s North valley, Dar a Luz Birth and Health Center is the only free-standing birthing center and breastmilk repository in New Mexico. Dar a Luz, as it is affectionately called is also a 501-C3 Non-Profit organization that provides a whole host of much-needed and in-demand support services and classes for families throughout the state. And, recently, I got to be their official photographer for an open-house fundraiser!

My Dar a Luz Story

I first became involved with Dar a Luz WAY back in 2016, when I was choosing a new healthcare provider for my last pregnancy (Andrew). I knew that my previous choices were not something I wanted to repeat, so I began exploring options that didn’t include hospitals. That’s when I first came across Dar a Luz. I found their website, and fell in love with their philosophies, practices, and environment. I felt I could easily feel safe, comfortable, and cared for there. But, being in Los Lunas, it was a 45 minute drive to the center. It didn’t seem viable, but after researching other options and finding nothing else that even came close to comparable, I signed up for a tour, and proceeded to fall in love with the center.

After that tour, I quickly became a patient there. The all-female staff, and especially the team of midwives made me feel safe, seen, and cared for. They took time to get to know me and my babies- even Christopher and Josh, who often came with me to appointments. They never rushed me, answered every question I had, and as an admittedly obese momma, they never shamed me. They just provided excellent, steady, compassionate care for me and my pregnancy.

I didn’t have the option of delivering at Dar a Luz due to my weight and previous complications with Joshua’s delivery, so at 32 weeks, my care was transferred to Dr. Leeman, who-at that time- was the birthing center’s overseeing doctor. While he practiced at UNMH, it quickly became obvious that he worked hand-in-hand with the midwives at the birthing center. He knew me by name, knew my baby, my older children, and all of my fears and concerns about delivering in a hospital once again. The transition was almost seamless. Even though I was now receiving care in a new building with a new provider, the same level of love and support came through with Dr. Leeman.

After I delivered, Dr. Leeman transferred my care back to the midwives at Dar a Luz, where they cared for both Andrew and I for the entire month post-delivery. They monitored Andrew’s bilirubin levels to make sure his Jaundice was clearing up (it was, slowly). They monitored my blood pressure, to make sure my eclampsia was fully addressed. They made sure we were nursing well, after Andrew’s tongue-tie was corrected, and even provided me emotional support when he was diagnosed as ‘Failure to Thrive’ and we had to quickly increase my milk supply (Andrew did, in fact, begin to thrive!). They saw me through it all, making sure I felt seen and heard, loved and supported. So much so that at my 6-week postpartum check-up, I was sad to be leaving their care!

I received incredible care at Dar a Luz, so when I saw a Facebook post from them asking for a professional photographer to cover their fundraising open house, I picked up the phone without a second thought and told them I was available and would love to help.

Dar a Luz’s Fundraising Goals

Dar a Luz has become an invaluable asset to healthcare in New Mexico, so much so that they find themselves in desperate need of a new building! As a 501-C3 non-profit organization, they don’t have the luxury of accumulating revenue to finance expansions. In order to expand, they must fundraise.

Dar a Luz has a goal of fundraising $2.3 million dollars in order to put a down payment for purchase on the location they are currently renting, as well as pay for the construction and outfitting of a new building that will hold a larger classroom as well as six new patient exam rooms. This expansion will allow them to provide care for a larger number of women, as well as continue to serve as a community hub in Albuquerque’s North valley.

So, how do you donate? Well, here’s the direct link to their donation page: https://daraluzbirthcenter.networkforgood.com/projects/224496-donate-to-dar-a-luz-birth-health-center

Once you click through to their main fundraising page, you’ll notice they have several ways to donate, including credit and debit cards right on the website. And, although the suggested amounts may not fit into your budget, I can share from experience that it is easier to maintain 100 people that can only give $10 a month than it is to find one new $1000 doner every month. So, please rest assured that your small gift does indeed make a difference.

Now, please, go donate!