Newborns bringing a ray of sunshine to our district

We have been asking parents to send us pictures of their new arrivals - and we’re delighted to present more of them here as part of our regular series of newborn photos.

Issac Alfie, 6lb 6oz, born at BRI to Victoria Marshall and Billy Price of Gomersal. A little brother for Ronnie-Ray Marshall.

Proud parents Victoria and Billy say: “Issac arrived happy and healthy after a pain relief free four-hour labour.”

Abigail Hannah, 9lb 6oz, born at BRI to James and Hannah Stannett of Shipley. A sister for Anna, Grace, Esther, Ruth, Timothy and Joshua. “When we needed to be induced the midwives transformed a potentially scary experience with their kindness, patience and high quality care.”

Thomas Alfie Edward, 8lbs 1oz, born at BRI to Simon and Lucy Thornton of Baildon. A brother for Oscar (pictured). Says Lucy: “A fantastic three-hour waterbirth experience. I can’t thank our midwife enough for her positive encouragement! Amazing skills!”

It’s a difficult time to have a baby. Because of restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, many mums are having to go into hospital alone, without their partners, and some have been induced and even given birth without a loved one at their side.

And many of their family and friends will have an agonising wait until they can have their first glimpse and cuddle of the new arrivals.

But it’s also a special time to be born - and we hope that our galleries of delightful photos will become keepsakes for these ‘lockdown babies’ and their families to look back on.

Aliza Noor, 7lb, born at BRI to Samsul and Nipa Hoque of Eccleshill. A sister for Zihanul and Adyanul. “My husband wasn’t allowed in at first. By the time he arrived the baby was born. He thought it was a joke because our other children took much longer. This was 25 minutes.”

Gurseerat Kaur, 7lb 7oz, born at BRI to Manpreet Kaur and Harry Singh of Heaton. Says Manpreet: “I gave birth to my first baby during Covid, it was daunting as my husband was in India and unable to get a flight. Two-day labour and my baby girl was here. BRI staff brilliant.”

Ameer Anthony, 9lb 10oz, born at BRI to Grace Linley and Salwan Algharawi, and siblings Noora, Haddy and Sabeah, of Undercliffe. Says Grace: “I was induced as baby was overdue. I was sent to the labour ward soon after, my husband just made it to see Ameer being born.”

Congratulations to all you proud parents - and thank you for sharing all the beautiful photos that are coming in.

If you’ve had a baby in lockdown, we would love to share your happy news.

Click here to send us a photo of your new arrival and tell us their birth story.

Arlo Steven Samuel, 7lb 8oz, born at Leeds General Infirmary to Sam Higginbottom and Jessica Norfolk of Cleckheaton. “After a labour with many ups and downs Arlo entered the world on June 2 at 9.03am. After a few days in hospital little man and mum were allowed home on June 4.”

Bodhi Dan, 6lb 10oz, born at Calderdale Hospital to Francesca Horne and Luke Manning of Buttershaw. “Bodhi was born after a quick labour. The staff were amazing, wore face masks but everything felt ‘normal’. Came home that day to introduce Bodhi to big brother Blue!”

Maia Isabella, 7lb 12oz, born at Airedale Hospital to Hanna Firth and Simon Firth of Keighley. A sister for Lexi (pictured).

Says Hanna: “After a day-and-a half in induction suite Maia arrived after a 10-minute labour. The midwives were fantastic, especially considering all that is going on right now.”