Baby born during Ruby, thanks to storm-proof birthing box

Below is a press release from Save the Children:

MANILA, Philippines – While Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) was pummelling their village, Amelita, 31, and husband Remy were crying out of joy because their first baby boy was born. 

The baby was born in a town near Ormoc that was badly hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). The couple were ably assisted by experienced midwife Criselda, 46.

Over 1 million people lost access to full health services when Yolanda hit central Philippines, yet it was estimated that more than 750 births were due to take place every single day in the typhoon-hit areas.

“When I found out about Ruby, I knew there were pregnant women in the village due to give birth that time. I took the BEACON box to our village so that we were prepared,” Criselda said.

‘BEACON box’ (Birthing Essentials and Care of Newborns), a project initiated by Save the Children, is a storm-proof box that contains clean birthing supplies such as sterile blades, alcohol, flashlight and even a birth certificate, to help a pregnant woman deliver safely during and immediately after a disaster.

The severe impact of the storm forced many women to deliver in damaged health facilities, at home, or in the open environment, without the availability of clean supplies and electricity endangering the lives of the mothers and the children.

“In the middle of typhoon Ruby, my wife was in pain and was about to give birth. I rushed to the midwife’s house with my motorcycle. It was a difficult road and I had to clear trees out of the way that had fallen down,” Remy said.

Remy rushed back to his home with the midwife who helped his wife as she went into labor.

“It was difficult because there was no electricity but I had everything I needed in the BEACON box to help her deliver safely. I even used the flashlight that was inside,” the midwife added.

Amelita recalled what happened that night: “I was worried about the welfare of my baby because the winds were strong. I had difficulty giving birth. Of all my pregnancies, this was the longest because it was cold and I was losing strength.”

“We will call our baby boy, Remy, Jr. after my husband,” said Amelita, who after 4 pregnancies, finally had her first boy. 

Days before landfall, Save the Children staff went around communities, convincing them to evacuate, providing preparedness messages in child-friendly terms, and setting up child-friendly spaces at evacuation centers

The group’s response teams also rushed to areas affected by the storm across Northern Samar, Dolores, Eastern Samar, and Calbayog. They brought clean water, materials to fix their houses, and essential household items.

Ned Olney Country Director of Save the Children said, “We are here to save lives, and alleviate suffering caused by the typhoon. Ruby was destructive and has caused extensive damage wherever it landed, to homes, communities and livelihoods.” 

At least 2 million people were affected by Ruby when it hit the country. – Rappler.com

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organization for children, working in 120 countries. Save the Children gives children around the world what every child deserves – a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We advocate for and achieve large-scale change for children.