Project MAMA

Project MAMA provides individually-focused, holistic support to women from migrant backgrounds throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenthood in the wider Bristol area. We aim to address the structural and health inequalities many migrant women can face during and after pregnancy. Our work is built on the fundamental belief that all mothers-to-be need compassion, support, care, and space leading up to the birth of their children. They have the right to be supported through their pregnancy and beyond in order to give birth safely and have a positive maternity experience, in spite of political, economic and social barriers. We provide emotional and practical support and build trusting relationships that give our clients the confidence to make their own birth-related choices, improve physical and mental health outcomes as well as strengthen support structures around them. The consistency of support and the trust that is built between volunteers and clients is essential towards ensuring that mother and baby receive the care they need. Most importantly, we honour our clients’ rich lived experiences building on their existing strengths, cultures, traditions and knowledge.

We support migrant women through the following ways:

- Mother Companions: This is our core project through which we provide one-to-one support during pregnancy, birth and early weeks of parenthood. We aim to address extreme social isolation and improve our clients’ understanding of maternity-related choices and the UK health care system while promoting resilience and confidence growth throughout pregnancy and during childbirth. Our specialist volunteer Mother Companions help to navigate an unfamiliar health-care system, bridge language and cultural barriers and provide trauma-informed support throughout labour and birth, so no mother is alone.

- MAMAhub: A weekly support hub where we offer yoga, freshly cooked food and regular workshops which can be accessed throughout pregnancy and for up to two years after giving birth. It is a vital peer-support service, so mothers can build their own relationships with peers, reducing social isolation, enabling women to get to know their local community, improving confidence in accessing local services, confidence in using public transport and even taking leadership roles within the group.