Tessa Begley's Contact Details

Tessa Begley's Company Details

Birth Companions

N/A, N/A, UK • 10 - 19 Employees
City Government/Municipal Government

At Birth Companions we believe that no woman should go through pregnancy, birth and early motherhood on her own. That's why we offer practical and emotional support to women before, during and after their baby's birth in prisons across England and in the community in London. It's hard to sum up everything we do but women often tell us we are like family.We think much more could be done to improve care for pregnant women and new mothers who experience multiple disadvantages in their lives. That's why we lead research and develop policy to make services better during this crucial time. Birth Companions is there to ensure every mother has the support she needs to give her baby the best possible start in life, whatever her circumstances.The women we work with face a range of difficulties which can often make the birth of their baby a time of anxiety, stress and hardship. These can include being in prison, immigration issues, homelessness, financial difficulties, mental ill-health, involvement with social services and a history of domestic violence or sexual abuse.We support mothers who experience several of these issues at the same time, making them particularly vulnerable at this important point in their lives. The right support can make a huge difference to the outcomes of mothers and their babies.Our services in prisons across England and in the community in London are delivered by staff and volunteers who are highly experienced in supporting perinatal women in the most difficult of circumstances. They are woman centred, trauma-informed and non judgemental.