A total of 33 Mum Bags, 33 maternity books, knitted blankets and adult coats are preparing to begin their journey to Ukraine as part of Baby Lifeline’s ongoing humanitarian support for mothers, babies, families and healthcare professionals affected by the conflict.
The supplies will travel in two ambulances being gifted to Ukraine by Kenilworth Lions, meaning the vehicles themselves will remain in Ukraine and provide further practical support once they arrive.
This latest shipment would not have been possible without the commitment of a small but mighty team of volunteers. Eight supporters came together to pack 15 Mum Bags, building on work they had already completed and helping to create a total donation of 33 Mum Bags for this shipment. Their generosity, teamwork and dedication will help provide comfort and essential items to mothers and babies facing the realities of war in Ukraine.
Alongside the bags, 33 maternity books, a bag of knitted blankets and a bag of adult coats are also being sent.
The latest delivery is another example of the vital support made possible through the commitment of Baby Lifeline’s volunteers, supporters and partners.
Practical support for mothers and babies
For women preparing to give birth or caring for a newborn baby, access to basic everyday essentials can make an enormous difference, particularly where families have been displaced or normal healthcare services and supply chains have been disrupted.
Baby Lifeline’s Mum Bags provide practical essentials for new mothers and have formed an important part of the charity’s support for Ukraine.
To date, Baby Lifeline has sent 210 Mum Bags to Ukraine, containing items including sanitary products and underwear.
The latest 33 bags will continue this important strand of support, alongside the maternity books, blankets and coats included in the shipment.
Behind every donation are volunteers and supporters giving their time to collect, organise and prepare items before they begin their journey from the UK to Ukraine.
More than £6 million of aid delivered to Ukraine
The Mum Bags form part of a much wider programme of maternity and humanitarian support provided by Baby Lifeline since launching its Ukraine Appeal in March 2022.
Since then, the charity has provided more than £6 million worth of specialised maternity, neonatal, medical and trauma equipment and aid to Ukraine.
This has included fetal monitors and dopplers, incubators, baby warmers, hospital and intensive care beds, surgical equipment and consumables, wound-care supplies, newborn clothing and other essential medical equipment.
Baby Lifeline has also delivered 184 specialist out-of-hospital birth bags to Ukraine.
Separate from the Mum Bags, these specialist bags have been developed for healthcare professionals and contain equipment to support births outside conventional maternity units.
They have reached healthcare professionals across Ukraine, including frontline teams, helping them support births in settings such as shelters, makeshift wards and homes where access to conventional maternity facilities or equipment may be limited.
Working together to make a difference
Baby Lifeline’s work in Ukraine has depended on collaboration between volunteers, healthcare organisations, community groups and partner organisations.
The latest shipment reflects that continued partnership.
The two ambulances being gifted by Kenilworth Lions will carry the Mum Bags and additional supplies on their journey to Ukraine, helping make full use of the vehicles while also providing a valuable resource once they arrive.
From the volunteers packing the Mum Bags to those coordinating transport and delivery, every stage of the journey relies on people contributing their time, resources and expertise.
Whether it is a specialist piece of maternity equipment, an ambulance, a Mum Bag or a knitted blanket, each contribution forms part of a wider effort to support mothers, babies, families and the healthcare professionals caring for them.
Our work continues
The need for support in Ukraine remains.
Mothers continue to give birth and healthcare professionals continue to provide care against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict.
Baby Lifeline remains committed to supporting mothers, babies and the professionals caring for them, while continuing to work with partners and supporters to respond to the changing needs of healthcare teams and communities in Ukraine.
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who prepared and supplied the Mum Bags, to Kenilworth Lions for gifting the two ambulances, and to all of the organisations, partners and supporters who continue to make Baby Lifeline’s work in Ukraine possible.
Find out more about Baby Lifeline’s Ukraine Appeal and how you can support our continuing work for mothers, babies and healthcare professionals in Ukraine.