Support in prisons
Support through pregnancy, birth, early motherhood and separation, in prisons in England
Our history
Birth Companions has been working with women in prisons for 30 years
We started offering birth support to women in HMP Holloway in 1996.
In the years since, we have worked in many other prisons providing specialist support to thousands of women navigating pregnancy, birth and early motherhood in custody.
In these challenging environments, our support helps women feel positive and confident about their pregnancy, birth and motherhood.
Specialist, relationship-led support
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Birth Companions offers support to pregnant women, mothers of babies under two and women who have experienced separation, miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion in two prisons: HMP Eastwood Park and HMP Foston Hall.
Our coordinators Bridget and Hannah support all women without judgement, in a trauma-informed and woman-centred way.
We work alongside, but independently of midwives, social workers, Prison Mother and Baby Liaison Officers (PMBLOs) and other staff delivering services.
Roxy's experience
Group support
“When I first came into this place I felt so alone and lost, and when I was invited to this group I had no idea what I was stepping into. But I am so glad and thankful that I did.
Everyone in the group was so lovely and welcoming. Every time they saw me they always made sure to say hello and have a chat. We all became a little unit.”
What does our support look like?
We support women one-to-one, in small groups and through trained peer supporters
We support women to access the full range of support available to them while in prison, and advocate for them with other professionals
We support pregnant women and mothers of babies to prepare for returning to the community
Who can we support?
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Birth Companions' coordinators Hannah and Bridget should be informed about all pregnant women and mothers of babies under two in HMP Foston Hall and HMP Eastwood Park. No referrals need to be made.
We can work with women who have been sentenced, recalled, or who are in custody on remand.
Find out more
If you have any questions about the support available for yourself or a family member while in one of the prisons we work in, we would be happy to discuss this with you.
We are also able to offer advice to professionals working with women in other prisons.