How we started

In 1996, Sheila Kitzinger, the well-known childbirth sociologist, became aware of the need for more support to be provided to women prisoners who were having babies whilst in prison. This issue had hit the headlines following the campaign to end the use of handcuffs for women prisoners during their labours. During this campaign, the plight of women prisoners giving birth without any support from friends and family also became clear. Sheila's subsequent article in the National Childbirth Trust Teachers' Mailing inspired a small group of London-based antenatal teachers to set up the "Holloway Doula Group".

Thirteen years later, the organisation is a registered charity with a Group Co-ordinator and a team of prison visitors, active Birth Companions and trainees. We have also changed our name to "Birth Companions".