Born in Quarantine: 5 Beautiful Photos of Newborns Around the World

Quarantine comes with many challenges—especially if you're about to deliver a baby! Find out how these five beautiful newborns were brought into the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.

07 May, 2020

With limited access to healthcare and vital resources like food and clothing, having a baby can be a daunting experience for mothers living in poverty. With nationwide lockdowns and public transport bans in place, delivery has become even more difficult.

But for these new mums and bubs, the journey was much easier thanks to the love and support of staff from local Compassion Mums and Babies survival projects all over the world.

Through home-based activities, these families have access to healthcare, education, and vital emotional support, which helps to secure good health for their newborns—even in quarantine. For more information about our program and how you can help, click here.

Let's meet them!

Luan, Ecuador

Luan's mum, Soraya, was ready for a difficult delivery when Ecuador went into lockdown. But through it all, she knew God was with her.

After hearing that Soraya was in labour, staff at the local survival project immediately organised transport to the hospital. Even though the car was pulled over multiple times by local police along the way, she made it with time to spare, and safely delivered her baby boy.

"They took care of me and helped me when my baby was born," says Soraya. "I am also grateful to God that they always take care of me, even during a world crisis."

Thomas, Uganda

Thomas's mother Rose went into labour two days after the Ugandan government banned the use of public transport to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Without a car or any other way of getting to the hospital, Rose's only option was to walk.

Thankfully, staff at her local Compassion Mums and Babies survival project worked through the night to organise transport for Rose. She soon made it to the hospital where she safely delivered her healthy baby boy!

"I feel so good when I see my baby kicking and sucking his thumb," says Rose. "I am grateful to God."

Valery, Honduras

Valery's 19-year-old single mother, Heydi, went into labour four days after her city in Honduras went into lockdown. Thanks to the staff at her local Compassion Mums and Babies survival project, she was not alone for the delivery.

"I never thought that I would face labour amid the turmoil," says Heydi. "I appreciate the project's support and counselling. They not only eased my anxiety and reassured me that I was not alone, but arranged transportation for the time of my baby's arrival."

Although her community is still in quarantine, the staff regularly call to pray with her and provide much-appreciated encouragement.

Metages, Ethiopia

Baby Metages's parents, Aynalem and Tadesse, were terrified that they wouldn't be able to provide for him, after quarantine left them without an income.

But thanks to a large delivery of food and supplies for their newborn from the local Compassion Mums and Babies survival project staff, their worry was short-lived.

"Witnessing their joy as they received the food and support and additional baby items made me thank God with them in tears," says staff member, Danse.

Boonerjee, Bangladesh

When Boonerjee's mother, Joya, went into labour, staff from the local Compassion Mums and Babies survival project prepared for a home delivery. But when they learned that the baby was in the wrong position, they were worried.

With the help of a close friend who drove Joya to the hospital in his taxi and incredible doctors, Boonerjee was safely delivered via caesarean.

"My boy is a champ," says Boonerjee's father, Ripon. "He has won the race against time."

In a time that feels unpredictable, we are so thankful for the ongoing dedication of our local church partners. Their love and generosity are continuing to change the lives of new mums and babies all over the world.

If you'd like to help our local church partners continue to serve vulnerable children during the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.

Words by Claire Ince

Photos by Nico Benalcazar, Caroline A Mwinemwesigwa, Juana Ordonez Martinez, Tigist Gizachew and Compassion International