BABIES born during lockdown have brought a ray of hope to families struggling to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

Lockdown restrictions, which are now being eased, have been frustrating for new parents, who have not been able to show off their bundles of joy to family and friends in the usual way.

Parents are now sharing photos of their new arrivals with the Oxford Mail and we want more families to do the same to put a smile on our readers’ faces.

To send us your baby pictures click on the link here.

For the majority of families whose babies are featured here, births went very smoothly and mums and dads have paid tribute to nursing staff and midwives for their support.

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Things were a little different for Sarah Sharps and Peter O’Sullivan, from Faringdon, when Leighton was born at the beginning of April - before the midwife arrived.

Oxford Mail:

Leighton O'Sullivan

Ms Sharps said: “My baby was born at home in five minutes and delivered by his daddy - it was a planned home birth but midwife didn’t make it to us in five minutes - haha!”

Leighton weighed 9lb and joins brothers and sisters Luke, Becky, Layla and Josh.

Martha and Jonno Woodward, from Carterton, sent us a happy picture of their baby Toby, after he was born at the John Radcliffe Hospital three days into lockdown, weighing 7lb.

Ms Woodward said: “After an hour and a half of pushing, a little help from a doctor and the support of my wonderful midwife Claire, our little Ray of sunshine came into the world - a blessing in times of uncertainty.

“Toby has been the biggest of joys in lockdown, has kept us busy and gives so much love to us.

Oxford Mail:

Toby Woodward

“We have seen the last two and a half months as a blessing as it has meant the three of us have been able to settle in as a family of three, having every day together, something we wouldn’t of had if Jonno had to go back to work.

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“He is the best thing to have happened during these unprecedented times but we cannot wait to show him off and pass him to family for long awaited cuddles.”

Natalie and Chris Wood from East Hagbourne, near Didcot, sent in their family photo following the birth of their daughter India, at the John Radcliffe on April 10.

Mrs Wood said: “India Rosemary Wood was born just under two weeks early via c-section at the John Radcliffe.

"She decided to come just six hours after me closing my laptop I had been working from home alongside my husband and trying to look after Henry aged two due to Covid.

"I literally closed my laptop and said to my husband ‘I think I am in labour’. The staff of course though were amazing!”

Oxford Mail:

Natalie and Chris Wood with India and Henry

If you have become parents in recent months we would welcome you sending us photos of your new arrivals.

Once you have got in touch, we can share your happy stories online and in the papers.

Oxford Mail:

Katie Davies

If you have sent in a picture of your baby and it has not appeared this time then we will feature it in a new round-up.

Sophie and Marc Middleton, from Witney, have been celebrating the birth of their son Teddy with their children Evelyn and Albert.

He was born in April at the John Radcliffe Hospital, weighing 7lb 11oz.

Mrs Middleton said: "I had a planned induction on the 15th of April.

"I had a straightforward labour and Teddy was born at 18.37. We stayed in one night then discharged the next day to meet his sister and brother."