News

International Women’s Day 2023 – Wise Women’s Words, Part 1

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to honour the experiences and identities of all those who experience oppression under patriarchy — and to talk about the specific injustices faced by women and birthing people. Here at Amma, we believe these conversations shouldn’t take place on just one day a year. So, this International Women’s Day we’re kicking off a three-part series of frank and open discussions focused on the many intersections of reproductive justice.

Join us for Kiltwalk 2023

The famous Kiltwalk is an epic walking event that happens across Scotland throughout the warmer months, the Glasgow event takes place between Glasgow, Clydebank and Loch Lomond, with three distances to choose from – a Kiltwalk to suit everybody!

Run Miles for Mamas at the Kelpies Supernova Run

The Supernova Run is a stunning 5k route around the Kelpies in Falkirk Helix Park. Runners will make their way around the Kelpies, and be immersed in an enchanting journey of light and sound. This Mother’s Day weekend, join ‘#TeamAmma as we run #milesformamas.

Mural celebrates Black motherhood and challenges racial disparities in perinatal care

On November 8, a mural exploring Black motherhood was unveiled outside the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital in Glasgow. This mural is a public declaration of a commitment to racial equality and justice, and an invitation to continue to hold this hospital and others like it to account — to co-create a maternity system where everyone receives not just adequate care, but excellent care.

Amma named Scotland’s first Maternity Service of Sanctuary

Amma Birth Companions has been awarded Maternity Service of Sanctuary status, recognising its support and welcome for people seeking sanctuary. The title, the first of its kind in Scotland, was awarded by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally coordinated network of organisations and services, including councils, universities, theatres and libraries that welcome and support refugees and people seeking asylum.

Volunteer Profile: Angelina Edwin

When Angelina Edwin arrived in Glasgow from Sri Lanka, she didn’t know that her experience would see her support new parents as they found their own feet in a new country.

Volunteer Profile: Morag Riddet

When Morag Riddet discovered Amma, she knew immediately it was an organisation she wanted to be part of. But having missed the first intake of volunteers, the doula, massage therapist and yoga teacher had to wait patiently before coming on board.

Volunteer Profile: Gemma Dool

A “random” application for an Amma volunteer post through a Glasgow-wide website for volunteering opportunities turned out to be one of the “best decisions ever” for mum-of-one Gemma Dool.

Volunteer Profile: Maureen Gallagher

When retired trauma nurse Maureen Gallagher trained as an Amma volunteer she looked around the room and felt like the odd one out.

Volunteers’ Week 2022

Without our incredible team of volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to provide our broad range of inclusive and trauma-informed services on such a large scale.

Welcome to our new CEO

We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Amma’s inaugural CEO, Maree Aldam. The appointment of a CEO marks an important milestone for Amma, as we set our sights on opportunities for growth.

Introducing the Amma Access Fund

On March 8, 2022, Amma Birth Companions is taking part in the Big Give ‘Women and Girls Match Fund’ campaign, with an ambitious target to raise £20,000 in just one week. All funds raised will go towards the creation of the Amma Access Fund: a new grant designed to make training in birth work more accessible to women from underrepresented groups.

Not in our name: a joint statement on the Borders Bill

In Scotland we have a proud history of protest, of raising our voices against the injustices that blight our society and speaking truth to power.

We – the undersigned – are proud to work in a country that values compassion and fairness. Though across our communities and sectors we work to achieve different things, today we are united in our opposition to the UK Government’s Nationality and Borders Bill.

Becoming an Amma Volunteer: Q&A with Evelyn

Volunteer postnatal companion, Evelyn, spoke to us about the process of applying and training to be an Amma volunteer, giving an insight into what’s involved and why she is motivated to support our clients in their journey to parenthood.

The Gift of Family: Yvonne’s Story

When Yvonne arrived in Glasgow six months pregnant, she felt totally alone. Thankfully, that changed when she connected with Amma Birth Companions. Through Amma, Yvonne gained the support of a

Life after loss: Vongayi’s story

When Vongayi found out she was expecting twins, she never could have anticipated the difficult journey that would unfold. When her son, Rylan, passed away at just 19 days old, Vongayi turned to Amma for support in navigating life after loss.

Mary’s story

It’s so important to have someone by your side. You don’t realise how important it is until you go through it. When I look back — two children, pregnant, nobody to talk to, moods up and down — I’m not so sure I would have survived without Amma. The love Amma is giving… you can’t equate it to money. Someone being there for you in that way imprints on you for life.

Why we disagree with the proposed NICE guidelines to induce labour at 39 weeks

If implemented, the proposed guidance would undoubtedly lead to even higher rates of induction among our client group, who already feel disempowered to make decisions within a cruel and inhumane asylum process. For their sake—and the countless other birthing people this will affect—we call upon NICE to stop pathologising race and retract this proposed guidance.

The forgotten stories of violence against women

The tragic death of Sarah Everard has sparked widespread outrage and debate about violence against women. But why are we only starting to pay attention now, when the experiences of

Honouring the postpartum mind

Written by Jenny Block In my work as a postpartum doula and mentor to Amma’s postnatal volunteers, I always try to gaze at each family I support through a holistic