Maryna, a mother living in Chernihiv, Ukraine, was preparing for the birth of her second child when war broke out in her city. With the situation becoming increasingly dangerous, Maryna and her husband initially planned to stay home, taking shelter in the basement during missile strikes. However, they soon realized remaining in the city with a newborn baby was too risky.

Maryna was due to give birth on March 8th. Fearing that contractions might begin at night, Maryna and her husband decided to go to the maternity hospital on March 7th due to the movement restrictions caused by martial law. Maryna delivered her baby in a specially equipped hallway of a hospital.

In cooperation with the EU and other partners, UNFPA supports maternity hospitals in Ukraine to meet the needs of pregnant women, expand access to free and quality reproductive health services, and provide hospitals with essential supplies. 

The greatest fear for Maryna and her husband was the possibility of a bomb dropping on them. For the next few weeks, the family spent their nights in a basement that had been converted into a bomb shelter. Although there was light from power generators, it was cold. Nevertheless, they adapted to their situation and prayed for protection.

Two weeks after giving birth, Maryna and her husband decided to leave Chernihiv because it was too dangerous to stay with a newborn. They went to Borzna in the Chernihiv region, where her husband's father lived. 

One incident that stood out was when the footbridge they used to leave the city was blown up a day after they crossed it. If they had delayed their departure by just one day, they wouldn't have been able to leave.

The birth of Maryna's daughter was the most memorable moment amidst all the chaos of war.

‘Our baby girl is the first girl in our big family, and we are grateful to be alive and healthy. It's a blessing to know organizations and individuals offer support during these difficult times,’ – Maryna said.