"Helping under shelling, rocket attacks, doing everything in her power so that a mother holds her baby in her arms – this is all about midwives.”
Amidst news of the tragic events happening around the world this festive season, we were touched to receive a heartfelt message from our friends and colleagues in Ukraine. The message is a reminder that hospitals, health centres, families, mums, babies and staff are sadly still at risk as bombs are still falling in Ukraine. Our support is very much needed and appreciated.
Here is the message from Olena, received by our CEO Judy Ledger on Boxing Day 2023:
Ukrainian Midwives’ Union warmly wishes you and your families Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Despite an incredibly difficult year, for the second year in a row, Ukraine is still standing and not giving up. Ukrainians, more than ever, are united and steadfast on the way to the only goal – our victory. During this time, almost 2 years of full-scale invasion and 10 years of war in Ukraine, women and children are going through a hard times, and they deserve support. Today, midwives are givers of that support.
Thousands of us work with women, support when it’s scary to give birth, being in bomb shelters. Share joy with a woman at the appearance of a miracle in the world. Help is provided when there is no way to get to the hospital. They comfort and experience grief together with women.
Helping under shelling, rocket attacks, doing everything in her power so that a mother holds her baby in her arms – this is all about midwives. Some midwives are brave enough to leave their lovely job, their families and join the ranks of army, defending their Mother-land. Our midwives are unbreakable and incredibly grateful. Grateful, for every day lived, for miracles that come into this world with their help, for the opportunity to be involved in the sacrament of birth and for dear friends from all over the world who stand with us.
We wish you a Merry Christmas, peace, love, family coziness. May hope never leave your hearts, and on this magical day, the most cherished dreams may come true.
From the midwives of Ukraine, with love!
How you can help
With your help, we sent over £2 million of equipment and aid to Ukraine in 2023. Fifteen consignments were distributed all over the country to the places that need it the most. Supplies ranged from Mum Bags and toys to fetal monitors, BabyWarmers, beds and wound dressings.
We’ve been able to establish a network of local volunteers, who’ve helped us to deliver 163 of our out-of-hospital birth bags and other vital equipment (including defibrillators, fetal monitors, body scanners, PPE, incubators, baby warmers, stretchers, beds, and wheelchairs) to health care professionals in Ukraine.
You can find out more about our Ukraine Appeal and support us here: Ukraine Appeal | Baby Lifeline
