Birth Companions

Birth Companions is a unique charity which supports women experiencing severe disadvantage during pregnancy, birth and early parenting. We are the UK’s leading organisation working in this area, with widely acknowledged expertise in the needs of pregnant women and new mothers facing severe disadvantage both in prison and the community.

The women we support face a range of issues and challenges including mental health problems, substance misuse, a history of domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, experience of detention and human rights violations overseas. They are particularly vulnerable during their pregnancies due to the effects of poor health, poverty, lack of support from family and friends as well as isolation.
Our overall aim is to empower women and help them to give their babies best possible start in life.

We also seek to raise awareness and to influence changes in policy and practice to improve conditions for the women we work with.