In August, we welcomed a new cohort of birth and mother companions to our team. Covid-19 restrictions forced us to get creative with our training delivery, but this amazing team of volunteers powered through “Zoom fatigue” to take part in six weeks of online training, along with a few outdoor sessions.
We’re so impressed by the dedication this group of volunteers has shown. It takes a special sort of person to commit to this role—especially during such uncertain times.
All birth and mother companions go through extensive professional training in how to offer non-medical, trauma enhanced practical and emotional support, information, and advocacy before, during and after birth.
Our training includes specific modules on: trauma and the healing relationship; the impact of sexual violence on pregnancy and birth; trafficking; boundaries; infant feeding; postnatal care; understanding labour and birth; and the impact of the asylum process.
We’re delighted to welcome this group of new volunteers to our team. We have no doubt they will make a real difference to the lives of the people we support.
This Mother’s Day weekend, join Team Amma as we run #MilesForMamas around the Kelpies What is the Supernova Run? The Supernova Run is a stunning 5k route around the Kelpies
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 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.