About Birth Companions

Birth Companions is a small charity providing practical and emotional support to women who face giving birth whilst in detention.

"The work that the Birth Companions does is pioneering and vitally important."

Sheila Kitzinger, Honorary President

Birth Companions provides trained and experienced birth supporters who support pregnant women in detention, during labour and after the birth of their babies. We work mainly in Holloway prison although we are now expanding to provide support in the community to pregnant asylum seekers/refugees who have been released from detention.

We provide support to women who would not otherwise have anyone to accompany them during the birth of their baby. We also offer our support to women who are unsure whether their family or friend will be able to get to them in time to be with them during their labour.

We have been in existence for over nine years and during this time have provided support to over 200 women.

NOTE: We regret that we are currently unable to respond to media enquiries

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