Parents share lockdown birth stories

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.

Elliot Lara, born at BRI, 6lb 4oz, to Helene and Michael Atkinson of Greengates. A sister for Declan.

Says Helene: “Elliot was born via C-section. A happy, healthy baby. I love this picture of our happy sleepy baby girl.”

Charlie Prince Platt, born at Halifax, 7lb 14oz, to Cassandra Burke and Duane Platt. A brother for Tyler, Isla-Mai, Nathan, Owen and Dylan. “After a few days in hospital we welcomed our beautiful Charlie. As we got home it was lockdown. He’s only just met family from a distance.”

Bodhi Butler, born at BRI, 7lb 1oz, to Tom and Emillie Butler of Queensbury. “Our boy was born by elective C-section. Tom watched Bodhi being born, announced his gender and cut his cord. Staff were amazing. We were discharged next day to meet family, social distancing.”

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.

Lily Elisabeth Florence Bland, born at BRI, 7lb 2oz, to Julie Ferguson and Trevor Bland of Clayton, who say: “Lily arrived feet first at 16:30 by C-section. We had a really positive birth experience and can’t thank the medical team enough for their care and expertise.”

Elaina Amara Khan, born at BRI, 7lb 3oz, to Shoaib Khan and Yasmin Lonai. A sister for Sophia and Aria.

Says Yasmin: “Elaina was born via elective caesarean. I was in hospital for two days and I can’t thank the staff enough for everything they did for us.”

Isabella Revill, born at BRI, 6lb 5oz, to Martyna Bartoszewicz and Matthew Revill of Holme Wood. A sister for Jacob and Olivia. “Our second princess entered the world during the lockdown. Definitely a different experience and something to remember.”

Sophia Grace Ratledge, born at BRI, 7lb 10oz, to Phoebe Ratledge and Matthew Ratledge of Clayton. “My waters broke Thursday night after the NHS clap, we went to hospital Friday morning and she was born early afternoon. Midwives were very reassuring during this pandemic.”

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.

Leo Oliver Joseph Lunn, born at BRI, 6lb 3oz, to Nancy Wiles and Jamie Lunn of Idle. A brother for Noah. Nancy: “I was alone in hospital for the first 15 hours of early labour. Leo arrived into a very calm environment. Great support from all midwives in challenging circumstances.”

Bonnie Frances Lockwood, born at BRI to Emma Grange and Daniel Lockwood of Bradford. A sister for Chloe, Marshall, Angel and Lacey. “After 19 hours of labour we were both delighted to announce our bundle of joy was finally here, weighing a massive 9lb 5oz.”