Children whose mothers died in childbirth are 10 times more likely to die before their second birthday.

Grace Cosmas, 28, with her 4-year-old daughter, Gloria, at her side, prays for mothers and babies and the health professionals who care for them.

Dear Lord, You have always been our Protector and our Helper. I pray that you help me and other women around the world to deliver our babies safely. I pray for wisdom and grace for all doctors and nurses who are involved in delivering children. Amen.

More than 280,000 women died in childbirth or from complications of delivery in 2010, the latest year for which these numbers are available. Ninety-nine percent of those deaths were in the developing world. A mother’s health has a profound effect on her children, too. Children whose mothers died in childbirth are 10 times more likely to die before their second birthday.

Pray with Grace that more women will have prenatal care and assistance in delivering healthy babies.

Photo credit: 2013 Wezzie Banda/World Vision