Miriam shared this intimate moment after giving birth prematurely in Malawi. “When my baby rested on my chest, skin to skin, I felt his heartbeat and he felt mine. I can never forget this moment. I want him to be a lawyer to defend the defenceless.”
In this priceless moment, Miriam also shared a sobering decision. The new mum was planning not to name her baby for six weeks because she’d seen too many other children who hadn’t made it that far.
In 2017, we can do better for every mother and child. UNICEF wants all women to give birth safely and experience the joy of a new baby. We want them to be comfortable and supported as a new mum.
And we want every mother to be able to name her baby on day one with confidence.
Help mothers and babies in danger
What happens in a child’s first days can shape their entire life. To give every child the best possible start, UNICEF needs to be there when an emergency strikes. We need to cross battle lines and climb mountains to reach children in the world’s most dangerous and remote communities. But we can’t do it alone.
Help us reach children in danger with a small, ongoing donation.
UNICEF doesn’t receive any money from the UN. We rely on monthly donations from a passionate group of supporters called Global Parents. From right here in Australia, they help vaccinate newborns, stock maternity wards with essential supplies and help mums and babies survive in 190 countries.