Our support
Birth Companions has 30 years’ experience supporting pregnant women and mothers with kindness, love and compassion through some of the most difficult and complex situations.
Our staff and volunteers can offer a wide range of practical and emotional support during pregnancy, birth and early motherhood.
This looks different for every woman, based on her own preferences and needs, but it can include things like:
Support to understand pregnancy and prepare for birth
Reliable, trauma-informed information and resources
Practical items for mothers and their babies
Labour and birth support
Support through miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion
Emotional and wellbeing support
Support for all types of infant feeding
Peer and group support at our friendly mother and baby groups
Introductions to other local support services
Support before, during and after separation
Support to navigate complex systems and services
Advocacy support
Our support can begin at any time during a woman's pregnancy or early motherhood, and in most cases ends by the time her baby turns one.
Depending on each woman's circumstances, needs and wishes, we work together to decide on the most appropriate time to begin and end our support.
Some of our services are only for mothers living or giving birth in certain areas, and some have age limits for children. This will always be made clear when women are referred, and will be discussed with each woman at the start of her support.
Unfortunately, Birth Companions cannot offer support to every woman who might need it.
Find out more about our current support services below.
We currently offer support during pregnancy and early motherhood in two prisons in England.
Our coordinator Bridget should be told about all pregnant women and mothers of babies under two in Foston Hall. No referrals are needed.
Our coordinator Hannah should be told about all pregnant women and mothers of babies under two in Eastwood Park. No referrals are needed.
We offer support during pregnancy and early motherhood in London and the South East of England.
Supporting women living in London who are facing inequality and disadvantage during pregnancy, birth and early motherhood.
Supporting pregnant women and new mothers with involvement from children's social care in the London Borough of Hackney.
Supporting pregnant women and new mothers in contact with the criminal justice system in the community, in partnership with Advance.
Information about Birth Companions' referral processes and how to access support for yourself, or for someone you know.