THE PAST few months have been particularly stressful for everyone but for all those families who welcomed a newborn into the world, lockdown has been even tougher.
Salisbury District Hospital has revealed that between March 23, the official date lockdown began, and June 22, a total of 547 babies have been born at the hospital - 267 boys, 280 girls and seven sets of twins.
Thanks to all those who took part in a recent appeal from the Journal, we've been able to put together a special edition featuring some of the babies born in these particularly challenging times.
Some of them will feature in this week's paper with more to come in next week's issue and the ones to follow.
For now though, enjoy this picture gallery of some of Salisbury's new arrivals.
Amelia Grace Crosby
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on April 1, weighing 6lbs 13oz.
Her mum Kirby-Ann Mead from Wincanton said: "I spent three days in hospital where [my partner] Micheal was able to be in theatre with us, spend two hours after with us both before leaving and visit in the evenings for three hours.
"The whole time I had consistent support throughout, friendly supportive staff."
Finley Wright
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on May 4, weighing 6lbs 2oz.
Finley was delivered through a planned c-section as he was breech.
His mum Zoe Newbury said: "The theatre team were lovely and made the whole experience relaxing. I will never forget the moment he was put in my arms"
Hugo Davies
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on April 27, weighing 7lbs 10oz.
His mum Charlotte Davies from Salisbury said: "In a time of such uncertainty Salisbury Hospital made it a magical experience. Although it was challenging being in lockdown spending so much time with family has given us the chance to bond."
Esme Penelope Gibson
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on March 24, weighing 6lbs 11oz.
Her mum Ann-Marie Gibson from Amesbury said: "The evening before I was due to go in to have my baby we were only allowed to leave the house for exercise, food shops, hospital or doctors appointments and weren't allowed to visit anyone. It was heartbreaking.
"The midwives and doctors were amazing and it wasn't scary, I enjoyed my experience. It's still heartbreaking family haven't had cuddles but they have seen her through social distancing."
Ellie Seren Carter Varney
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on April 6, weighing 6lbs 6oz.
Her mum Rhianydd Carter from Salisbury said: "Naturally there was some apprehension, but it was incredibly calm considering the situation.
"The staff were fantastic and very accommodating. It was surreal in some ways because of the level of PPE and not being able to see faces but I felt supported throughout the day and overnight stay."
Arlo-Gray Fitchett
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on June 1, weighing 6lbs 11oz.
His mum Jade Fitchett from Longhedge said: "I was induced two weeks and one day early due to low fetal movement on several occasions, I had to go through the most of my induction alone until I was in labour and my husband could be with me."
When Arlo-Gray was born he had a high temperature and high breathing rate which meant he had to undergo lots of tests.
However, four days later he was allowed to go home to meet his sister Maddison and brother Harry.
Ruby-Rose Blackman
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on May 5, weighing 6lbs 2oz.
Her mum Chloe Fox who was in labour for three to four hours, described birth as "the most amazing feeling".
Khydon-James Bamfield
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on April 4, weighing 6lbs 15oz.
His mum Tamyle Paige Bamfield from Salisbury said: "I was induced the day before my due date due to complications in my pregnancy. I had to go in the hospital alone until my waters were popped and my mum was then allowed in.
"It was very scary going in on my own during this time."
Tobias Farr
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on May 26, weighing 8lbs 13oz.
His mum Helen Edwards said: "I was very nervous going into hospital with everything going on, but it was such a positive experience. Midwives were lovely and reassuring the whole time."
Ezri Mai Notley
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on May 1, weighing 6lbs 15oz.
Her dad Jon Notley from Salisbury said: "One of the only joys of this lockdown period has been being able to spend the first six weeks with my daughter as I am furloughed.
"It was a truly amazing experience even though I couldn’t be there the whole time."
Willow Amelia Farmer
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on April 20, weighing 9lbs.
Her mum Naomi Young from Salisbury said: "I could not fault the midwifes at Salisbury District Hospital, they were incredibly amazing.
"I felt sad and anxious knowing my partner couldn’t be with me at all times but he was allowed to be with me when my waters broke."
Elena Dunham
Born at her home in Old Sarum, weighing 7lbs 9oz.
Her mum Lauren Willis said: "I accidentally had my baby at home on my living room floor as my labour was so quick I didn't make it to the hospital in time!
"The midwife arrived 20 minutes after she was born. Although unexpected, it was lovely to have a home birth - and my 2 year old slept the whole way through!"
Archie & Olive Jones
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on March 17, weighing 7lbs 15oz and 6lbs 4oz.
Their mum Dannie Jones from Tidworth said she received "outstanding" care, particularly from midwife Michelle.
She added: "Taking care of twins during lockdown has had its challenges, not only due to lockdown but because my husband left us when the babies were three weeks old for seven weeks with the army and so without "the village" it takes to raise a child it came with many struggles but we have overcome them and celebrated our wins on a daily basis!
"They are both happy babies, bringing so much joy to our lives... And we are very much looking forward to taking them home to Mid-Wales to meet their other family members as soon as we are able to."
Daisy Booth
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on May 6, weighing 8lbs 11oz.
Her mum Andi Booth from Alderholt said: "Daisy was induced a week early following a reduction in movements. I had my lovely sister-in-law, Elaine and our fabulous midwife Hattie in with me throughout the birth and other than the masks worn by hospital staff, there was no difference this time compared to my other four babies."
Jack Taylor
Born at Salisbury District Hospital on March 18, weighing 8lbs 2oz.
His mum Amy Taylor from Longhedge said: "On the 18th of March after a very long induction, our baby boy finally arrived. But so did lockdown very soon after.
"My mum and nan were the only ones to meet him when we came back from hospital and that was the case for many weeks.
"My husband was furloughed for 10 weeks and we stayed at home, not able to do anything but tend to our baby. It gave us amazing bonding time but we missed out on all the things we had imagined doing and still not able to do now.
"Through the tough times, it has been amazing and our little boy is so gorgeous. We couldn't be more proud. But we can't wait to show him that there is a world outside of our four walls!"
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