My beautiful friend China Newland has been living in India with her husband Naresh. They have been busy building their home in the Himalayan foothills - a tiny studio to call their own, surrounded by trees and abundant with wildlife. They are now expecting their first child and need our help.
The devastating impacts of COVID-19 have left them without work. They also live in an isolated area of northern India without hot running water, healthcare and essential medical support for a first time mama-to-be. They now face a difficult decision to leave their home and move to the west coast of India for several months so China can be supported through the last stages of her pregnancy. This would provide her with the opportunity to be supported through child birth by medical professionals and bring her baby into the world safely.
China’s other option is to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and hope that she is considered for a return flight home from India. However, this is not an easy decision as it is not guaranteed she would be approved and able to return in time and she would need to return alone. Naresh would miss the birth of their baby and wouldn’t be able to hold his baby until the world situation stabilised and international borders reopened.
Both options are costly and one they cannot afford. They need $4,000 to $6,000 AUD. The money would support them to move to Goa and cover the cost fo rent and living, as well as a midwife and a spot in a birthing centre. It would also cover the cost of additional hospital expenses if she needed an emergency cesarean during child birth. One thousand dollars would also be used to enable them to remain in Goa post childbirth until they were able to make the long journey home north.
If they decide that China’s return to Australia is the best and safest option the money would cover the cost of her flights back to Australia and quarantine costs to be able to return to Melbourne (if DFAT approve her application and there are enough flights back home).
At this stage every dollar makes a huge difference as they try and prepare for what should be a joyous time in their life. They just want to keep the baby and China safe and make sure that she has supports around her as they both navigate their way through parenthood for the first time.
Every dollar makes a world of difference and I know they would both be forever grateful. Let’s bring China and her baby home safely - whether it’s their jungle studio in the mountains or her home in Melbourne.
Endless gratitude xo