Press – Project MAMA

project mama in the press

14/04/2020 https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/supporting-mothers-in-difficult-circumstances-through-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

10/3/2020 https://www.bristol247.com/lifestyle/family/the-charity-supporting-bristols-migrant-mothers/

06/06/2019 https://thebristolcable.org/2019/06/communities-standing-up-college-students-skaters-and-migrant-mums-warmley-forest-skatepark-mama-project-plastic-free/

12/3/2019 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-bristol-47539726/migrant-women-given-maternity-support-by-project-mama

projectmamauk

This #ThrowbackforProjectMAMA is of Griselda and h

This #ThrowbackforProjectMAMA is of Griselda and her beautiful babe. Griselda was the first mama the project supported back in 2018 - we love getting her updates!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Griselda says, ‘Eliseo is 3 now and I am so proud to be his mother. I can’t believe it! 84 babies have been born now with support from Project MAMA. Great job for you and all the people you are helping. Project MAMA is growing more and more.. a big bravo for your hard work!’ Griselda stays in touch with us and is excited to be welcoming baby number two in July!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Join us in posting some super oxytocin-inducing snaps to share the love with more amazing mamas and babes that we will be supporting this year. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Join in #ThrowbackforProjectMAMA where you can share a baby photo of yourself, your wee ones or friends and then text ‘PROJECTMAMA 3’ (i.e. to donate £3, £5, £20) to 70085 to donate. Then why not nominate your pals to do the same! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We nominate @iamlenaheadey @bristolrefugeefestival @salvagedproject @iamjenniejoseph

Another lil’ baby birthed by her mama safely ear

Another lil’ baby birthed by her mama safely earthside. The incredible Janaki, gave birth last week and is now safely home with the new addition to her family. Like many of the mamas we support, Janaki had an exceptionally challenging journey with this pregnancy, however her birth story is one one beauty. Janaki said, ‘as soon as he was born I knew he was fine. As soon as they put him on my chest, I was like ‘ahhhh’! We love hearing of that powerful oxytocin rush and of the strong bond between mama and baby. Congratulations, Mama! xx⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Illustration @miaohki⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#mothercompanion #doula #doulasupport #ittakesavillage #personcentred #noborders #nooneisillegal #bristolsolidarity #refugeeswelcome #humanrights #migrantrights #motherhood #families #cityofsanctuary #displacedmamas #bristol #chooselove

As our 3rd Birthday celebrations continue, the ini

As our 3rd Birthday celebrations continue, the inimitable Laura Bandah has shared this gorgeous photo for #ThrowbackforProjectMAMA taken after she gave birth to her daughter, Tayana. Laura says:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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"My love for Project MAMA goes beyond the belief in their good work. The birth of my second child was a happy, beautiful and empowering experience, in a situation that could have been overwhelming. Now, a mother of two girls, it is a joy to be part of such glorious and important work." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This month, you can join in #ThrowbackforProjectMAMA where you can share a baby photo of yourself, your wee ones or friends and then text ‘PROJECTMAMA 3’ (i.e. to donate £3, £5, £20) to 70085 to donate. Then why not nominate your pals to do the same! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Let’s post some super oxytocin-inducing snaps to share the love with more amazing mamas and babes that we will be supporting this year. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We nominate @mamaandmedoulaservices @pregnant_then_screwed @menafombo @rosannaprints

We see everyday how support and solidarity through

We see everyday how support and solidarity throughout the childbirth year improves health and wellbeing outcomes for a mama and her baby. We especially love it when evidence from the World Health Organisation backs this up!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The 2017 Cochrane report recommends continuous support during labour and childbirth can improve a number of outcomes for both the mama and baby. It found that:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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- Postpartum depression can be lower in women who were supported well in labour⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 39% decrease in the chance of a caesarean birth ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Shorter labours⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low Apgar score (used to asses babies health and well-being at the birth and shortly afterwards)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This month we’re celebrating 3 years of our awesome Mother Companions, who ensure that no person births alone.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Source: A Cochrane Qualitative Evidence Synthesis - 2019, building on a 2017 Cochrane report. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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illustration: @cosmic.birth⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#mothercompanion #doula #doulasupport #ittakesavillage #personcentred #ownyourbody #noborders #nooneisillegal #bristolsolidarity #refugeeswelcome #worldhealthorganisation #cochranereport #humanrights #migrantrights #motherhood #families #cityofsanctuary #displaced-mamas #bristol #chooselove

This month we’re celebrating 3 years of Project

This month we’re celebrating 3 years of Project MAMA! During this time we’ve supported over 80 mamas throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenting through our Mother Companions project. We’ve been able to ensure no mama gives birth alone and displaced women have the compassionate specialist support and companionship they need throughout pregnancy, birth & early parenthood. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In these uncertain times, we now need your support more than ever to ensure we can keep going. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So to celebrate our birthday, we’re starting #ThrowbackForProjectMAMA where you can share a baby photo of yourself, your little ones or a friend and text ‘PROJECTMAMA 3’ (i.e. to donate £3) to 70085 to donate. Then why not nominate your pals to do the same! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Let’s share some super cute (or incriminating?!) baby snaps to share the love with more amazing mamas and babes that we will be supporting this year. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Here’s one sweet bairn to start us off - our one-and-only founder and CEO, Fiona Mann doing what she does best! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We nominate @_gabriellawilde_ @rebecca_vincent_tattoo @_prosperitys Show us your #ThrowbackforProjectMAMA ! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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(Texts will cost your chosen amount plus one standard rate message.)
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To donate £5 text 'PROJECTMAMA 5'⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To donate £10 text 'PROJECTMAMA 10'⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To donate £20 text 'PROJECTMAMA 20'

We can't believe we're just days away from our 3rd

We can't believe we're just days away from our 3rd (third!) birthday since Project MAMA launched!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It seems like only yesterday Project MAMA was just a twinkle in our eye, but now we’re refining those fine motor skills and can safely say we can now run without tripping over our own feet!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We consider ourselves very lucky to have been able to stand alongside many displaced mamas while they bring life into the world, welcoming us as their support people through such profound and life-changing moments.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We’re launching an exciting 'thing' on 1st March to honour the occasion and we’re really hoping you’ll join in in celebrating with us. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Stay tuned so you too can spread love in these strange ole' times and help us keep on, keeping on with supporting displaced mamas throughout the childbirth year.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#watchthisspace #thirdbirthday #nonprofit #projectmama #bristol #birthcompanion #solidarity #projectmama #refugeeswelcome #supportsurvivors #doulasupport #traumainformed #resilience #equalcareforeverymama #migrantmamasmatter #strongwomen #birthworker #bristol #cityofsanctuary #resilience #birthsupport

Over this last week we have welcomed two new littl

Over this last week we have welcomed two new little ones birthed by resillient mamas, but their entrance to the world is bittersweet. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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These two mamas have given birth to two tiny babies knowing they have no home to return to once they leave the delivery suite.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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These mamas are displaced through no fault of their own; fleeing human trafficking and having had their asylum case rejected by the Home Office.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Housing red-tape and bureaucracy leave little wiggle room for the unique and hyper-vulnerable circumstances the mothers we support find themselves in, through no fault of their own.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We know that the system is failing vulnerable mothers. Every mother should have the right to safe and appropriate accommodation, the space to rest, nest and settle in with her new babe without feeling endangered or carrying substantial anxiety about where she'll end up.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We're doing our best to speak these experiences to those in power locally so no mama faces these challenges, but we've a long road ahead of us.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We're grateful to our incredible Mother Companions who work tirelessly with mamas alongside the wider Bristol refugee support network, notably our partners @Unseenuk and @BristolRefugeeRights. Together we're doing our best to ensure appropriate and safe accommodation is secured.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We'll continue to visit mothers when they need us until they feel safe and settled. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Huge respect and congratulations to these mamas, doing the best they can in-spite of it all <3⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Image @lenaalittlecloser

OF MIDWIVES, WITCHES & ...MOTHER COMPANIONS⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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“We have always been healers. We are abortionists, nurses, and counsellors. We are pharmacists, cultivating healing herbs and exchanging secrets…we are midwives travelling from home to home and village to village…passing on experience from neighbour to neighbour, daughter to daughter. We are called “wise women” by the people, witches or charlatans by the authorities.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Although things look different now, our Mother Companions (although almost unrecognisable without their broomsticks) uphold an ancient tradition of birthing wisdom, holistic healing, and provide a radical nurturing to expectant mamas, beyond that which borders try to disrupt. We listen to diasporic practices, sharing interwoven wisdom, learning and celebrating the significance that lay birth attendants bring pan-culturally. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Mother Companions are unconditional support, the nurturing friend, the person that leaves food on a door step, holds baby while a mother sleeps, ensures she can drink a cup of tea whilst it's still hot - it's Mother Companions that contribute so much to our village, they gather to support and care for someone birthing and raising children against the odds.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Since the dawn of recorded history, being a Wise Woman has been a subversive act. In this age of hostility and government- sanctioned discrimination towards those seeking safety, the nurturing support Mother Companions provide, too, is a radical act. We tip our pointed hats to you, wondrous beings! Mother Companions *are* Project MAMA.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Illustration by @atribeofwomen⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Quote adapted from Witches, Midwives & Nurses, by Ehrenreich & English, 1979 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#mothercompanion #doula #doulasupport #ittakesavillage #personcentred #folkmedicine #witchesmidwivesandnurses #ownyourbody #noborders #nooneisillegal #bristolsolidarity

When we support a mama, she receives a pouch of⠀

When we support a mama, she receives a pouch of⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
essential items she might need to help her when she goes to give birth.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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These are all items from ethical (and often small) business whose products we strongly believe are the best for mamas and their babes.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Thanks you so much for your generosity @bloodygoodperiod @mumandyou @lush @wildsageandco #Waleda #KingfisherToothpaste @the_truthbrush @nipperandco @essentialtrading @beamingbaby

SKIN TO SKIN⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Mamas around the world know that there are so many benefits of having skin to skin with their baby, but sometimes that moment a baby is placed on their parents chest can feel overwhelming. For some there isn’t an immediate rush of Oxytocin, the feel good love hormone. For some that rush comes days later. The bonding may happen over a long period of time. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Whilst our Mother Companions understand and share information about the benefits of skin to skin, they are there to hold space to allow the mother to step into her new role and get to know her baby in her own way and in her own time. We recognise that there is an adjustment period and we take into consideration the journey the mother has been on up until this point and the challenges she has faced along the way. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The role of a birth partner goes beyond the birth, and our Mother Companions help to ensure that those first few hours are sacred, protected, a time for the new parent to be looked after, nourished and listened to. They help facilitate a golden hour, meaning the new mama has uninterrupted time with their baby, to get to know them and welcome them from womb to world. Sometimes it’s not possible to have skin to skin immediately after birth due to complications and the baby’s health, but again, they can help create a space for a golden hour, whether it’s hours later or days later. The benefits are still there. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The benefits of Skin to Skin include: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Bonding⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Promotes feeding⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Lowers the stress hormone cortisol⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Helps baby regulate their temperature⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Supports the third stage of labour - birthing the placenta⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Develops the baby's microbiome - their immune system⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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How magical is that!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Image @slow.season⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#skintoskin #oxytocin #birth #goldenhour #mothercompanions #supportingsurviviors #birtheducation

INFANT FEEDING⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Many of those we support have experienced very difficult situations in their home country and/or along the journey. They may have fled persecution, abuse or war. They may have been trafficked and experienced physical and/or sexual abuse. Once in the UK, they may go on to experience hardship in terms of insecure, cramped housing, frequent moves, low income and food poverty whilst undergoing a protracted legal process to settle here. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Sometimes, trauma experienced by women who come to Project MAMA may continue to permeate all aspects of their lives, including giving birth and breastfeeding. Some survivors of abuse have identified that infant feeding decisions and breastfeeding can reactivate traumatic memories whilst others have found that successfully breastfeeding can help in their recovery.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Many of our clients originate from countries with high breastfeeding rates where it is commonplace and unremarkable. Research has shown that those who come to the UK from countries where breastfeeding is usual and rates are high, may over time, adopt practices of the host country by mixed feeding, or stopping breastfeeding earlier than would be the cultural norms from their country of origin. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. Whilst the majority of mams initiate breastfeeding, early introduction of formula milk and early cessation of breastfeeding are commonplace. The reasons for this are complex and include cultural, societal, political and supportive factors as well as the aggressive marketing of infant formula.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Our Mother Companions ensure person-entered care, so that a mama can be supported to feed in a way that suits and is most comfortable to her.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Beautiful image of @moontwerk by @sophiekietzmann⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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@MelanieCervantes

THINGS WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In 2021 Project MAMA has seen a drastic rise in referrals of lone mamas seeking asylum in Bristol. These mamas are often moved to the city late in their pregnancy to live in temporary accommodation, with no idea of how to navigate the city, knowing nobody and with additional stresses of an uncertain future -- all considerations which can impact heavily on pregnancy. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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As an organisation supporting displaced people, we're increasingly concerned about the treatment of those seeking safety in the hands of the Home Office.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Home Secretary Priti Patel has vowed to make the Channel "unviable" for individuals crossing in boats, including mothers, mothers-to-be, children and babies. With a drastic rise in crossings over the last year, safe routes for entry must be accessible to prevent unnecessary deaths.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The hostility continues as reported recently in The Independent where emerged that '80 unaccompanied minors – one in five who completed the dangerous journey from northern France – were locked for more than 24 hours in a processing centre between April and September 2020...during which time they had no proper sleeping facilities or access to fresh air', this being sanctioned by Priti Patel herself. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We're deeply concerned about the increasing hostility faced by those seeking asylum in the UK. We're encouraging all who can to write to their local MP to express their disgust. We need to keep our voices raised and our minds sharp. There are so many organisations and individuals reporting on this and taking action. We believe no-one is illegal nor should risk their lives to live a safe life.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Image @theworldwidetribe #refugeeswelcome #endthehostileenvironment #thesewallsmustfall #nooneisillegal #humanrights #migrantrights #motherhood #families #cityofsanctuary #displaced-mamas #bristol #chooselove

OXYTOCIN⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Primarily know

OXYTOCIN⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Primarily known as the feel good hormone of love, but has so many amazing benefits including - ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Helps us to find emotional balance and healing⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Brings us into our parasympathetic nervous system (and out of our fight and flight response, lowering adrenaline) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Essential for giving birth and breastfeeding ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Part of bonding and nurturing relationships⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Reduces the sensation of pain⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Lowers blood pressure, regulates body temperature and helps with digestion ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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With the uncertainty and challenges people are facing at the moment, we could probably all do with some feel good Oxytocin. As humans we need physical contact, and are not meant to be isolated. We need our communities, social interactions, opportunities to gather, share food and hug. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Luckily there are other ways to get Oxytocin, for example through exercise, cooking, meditating, breathing calmly, listening to music, dancing, singing, reading, watching films, talking with friends. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So on this day of Saint Valentine, we hope that you can find a way to boost your Oxytocin, or perhaps reach out to someone you know and let them know you are thinking about them - passing on a little bit of Oxytocin. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Illustration by @kymtada_art⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#valentinesday #loveforall #saintvalentines #oxytocin #hormoneoflove

We are so excited to announce our new ambassador G

We are so excited to announce our new ambassador Gabriella Wilde who is coming on board to support the vital work we do at Project MAMA.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Gabriella believes strongly in Project MAMA explaining, 'properly valued and supported mothers raise children who equally feel valued and supported. The next generation needs people who feel whole and secure regardless of their background, who know kindness and gentleness and are part of a more inclusive society. This is where the work begins for so many of the problems the world faces. Project MAMA is on the front line supporting women facing extreme vulnerability in what I know can be an exceptionally vulnerable moment. This is important work that and as a mother myself, it is exceptionally close to my heart. It is an honour to be an ambassador for Project MAMA.'⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Gabriella began working in fashion and film from 15 years old, working across the world on different projects in print, film and television from a young age. Gabriella said her hardest challenge was when she became a mother at 24, juggling work and raising her three children and states that becoming a mother being the most rewarding and difficult time of her life. Gabriella is currently raising her three boys in Somerset while intermittently studying psychotherapy and continuing her career in the film and fashion industries.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We're so happy to have Gabriella on board to help support our vital work at Project MAMA.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#motherhood #gabriellawilde #solidarity #projectmama #refugeeswelcome #supportsurvivors #doulasupport #traumainformed #resilience #raisingequals #equalcareforeverymama #migrantmamasmatter #strongwomen #birthworker #bristol #cityofsanctuary #resilience #birthsupport

Closing the Bones, a postnatal recovery massage, i

Closing the Bones, a postnatal recovery massage, is a beautiful offering after birth to support birthing bodies and help mamas find balance emotionally and physically. Some of our Mother Companions have been trained in Closing the Bones massage, bringing together the physical needs of a body post birth, and a ceremony to support a mama in the transition to motherhood celebrating strength and ability through this beautiful ritual originating in Ecuador. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Two of our Mother Companions were part of a birth team providing this nurturing practice after a mama had an especially challenging birth experience. One MC gave the massage, whilst the other snuggled with her baby so the mother could switch off and soak up the experience. Together the Mother Companions sang a beautiful song to end the massage. Our MC's remember it with great fondness, as does the mother, who had experienced significant trauma on her path to motherhood as a survivor of exploitation.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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There is something so special about sharing these rituals and recognising that the body is healing after pregnancy. These birth rituals are embedded in some cultures and but not typically something that are common in the UK. We are lucky to have trained Mother Companions to share this wonderful ritual right here in Bristol. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Beautiful image by @thelanguageofbirth #postnatalrecoverymassage #birthhealing #closingthebones #postbirthrituals #motherhood #becomingamother #mothercompanions

In the UK 20% of women and 4% of men have experien

In the UK 20% of women and 4% of men have experienced some type of sexual assault since the age of 16. 25% of people are from LGBTQ+ communities. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Over 66% of women refugees are the survivors of sexual assault as a direct result of forced migration, of which pregnancy is a consequence. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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These are not just statistics. The majority of women we support at Project MAMA are survivors, with many mamas disclosing sexual violence happening in their country of origin, on their journey to find safety or once they arrive in the UK. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Many survivors can re-live past trauma in the birth room. This is why our vital and trusted one-to-one Mother Companions can be a real life-line to survivors. Trauma-informed care is imperative and we believe, a non-negotiable in maternity care. It is central to the work we do.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Supporting a mama leading up to her birth, we listen, we explore any potential triggers with mamas as they wish, we unpack and demystify obstetric processes and procedures. Crucially, we stand by her throughout her journey so she feels safe and her needs and wishes are heard in the birth room and beyond.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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As more and more people make perilous journeys and the UK becomes more hostile to those seeking refuge, as birth workers and maternity professionals, we must make all maternity care safe for survivors.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Illustration @the.peach.diaries #webelieveher #SexualAbuseandSexualViolenceAwarenessWeek #solidarity #projectmama #refugeeswelcome #supportsurvivors #doulasupport #traumainformed #resilience #motherhood #equalcareforeverymama #migrantmamasmatter #strongwomen #birthworker #bristol #cityofsanctuary #resilience #birthsupport #doula

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, when we remember

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, when we remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Today we pay homage to Stanislawa Leszczyńska, the midwife imprisoned for two years in Auschwitz who helped women deliver over 3,000 babies at the camp in unthinkable conditions. Her work is testament to the sheer power, determination and resistance that many women retained, resolute in helping their fellow prisoners.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Stanisława was imprisoned after Nazi occupation through helping others as part of a growing Polish resistance. Her family, horrified by the conditions in the ghetto, decided to help, smuggling false documents and food to Jewish people, leading to her eventual capture which kept her imprisoned for two years. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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On January 27, 1970 Stanisława was reunited with survivors of Auschwitz who she'd helped give birth, many bringing their grown-up children to meet her who were born in the camp. She died at home in Poland when she was 77 years old. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#weremember #holocaustmemorialday #midwifeofauschwitz #radicalmidwives #midwife #StanisławaLeszczyńska #againstfascism #midwiveswithoutborders

✨Matrescence ✨ The process, transition, art o

✨Matrescence ✨ The process, transition, art of a becoming a mother, named by anthropologists as Matrescence.

When a baby is born, so is a mother, a parent, and as we know this process can be all-the-more complicated against a backdrop of challenging immigration stories.

There are huge physical and hormonal changes that occur during this time and the shape and structure of a mother’s brain actually alters to equip her for her new role.

With the assistance of the incredible hormone Oxytocin, the mother’s attention is drawn to her baby, tuning in to her babies needs, learning to cope with monotony, and multitasking. Yet, whilst this physiological change happens naturally, the mother may sometimes find herself longing for a bit of her old life, her old self. As she navigates a new identity, whilst learning how to retain the essence of herself, she may feel this push and pull, or ebb and flow between these two personas, her differing wants and needs.

Postnatal support is absolutely vital to ensure that mothers can talk honestly about their feelings during this time and have someone to care for and look after them. Women were never meant to be mothering alone. We come from tribes, from communities. It is the work of Mother Companions at Project MAMA to fulfil this role beautifully - they hold space for mothers. They respect their traditions and rituals and understand that many are displaced from their own communities with additional hurdles to overcome. This support means that mothers feel safe and comfortable, to have honest conversations, to ask for help if they need it, to celebrate their matrescence and be part of another village.
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Beautiful photograph captured by @bertillepics #matrescence #mothering #motherthemother #mothercompanions #postnatalsupport #ittakesavillage #supportforallmothers #refugeemothers

‘When the lockdown hit most of my children went

‘When the lockdown hit most of my children went through serious depression and I wasn’t able to get what my children needed…. It was difficult to go shopping with all my younger children and I couldn’t get what we needed. I wouldn’t be able to survive without the support I got from Project MAMA as I have always had to make hard choices between all my families needs because I can’t afford all my families needs. Thank you.’ - Arlinda, MAMA, Bristol ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It’s a bittersweet day today as we wrap-up 10 months of work responding to the impact of the pandemic. What started as an immediate response to empty shelves and heightened anxiety amongst isolated mamas, our Covid response turned into weekly conversations with over 200 Bristol mamas. We provided emotional support responding to those experiencing crisis, we relayed up-to-date Covid guidance in multiple languages, signposted to domestic violence services, supported mothers to access essential healthcare, alongside weekly deliveries of Solidarity Care Packages to those most affected. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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With the on-going struggle of a third lockdown and many facing an uncertain future, we’re navigating our next steps to ensure no mama is left behind. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Thank you so far to all who have supported our work, made a referral, joined our volunteer team or simply spread the word. We are grateful. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Illustration @charlie_mamas #solidarity #projectmama #refugeeswelcome #supportsurvivors #doulasupport #traumainformed #resilience #motherhood #equalcareforeverymama #migrantmamasmatter #strongwomen #birthworker #bristol #cityofsanctuary #resilience #birthsupport #covid19 #solidaritycarepackages

Layla Ismail, the Manager at Refugee Women of Bris

Layla Ismail, the Manager at Refugee Women of Bristol, has been a fervent supporter of Project MAMA since it was just a twinkle in founder Fiona’s eye. Project MAMA and RWoB continue to work together to provide culturally safe support to mamas-to-be through challenging, and sometimes even dangerous, circumstances. Today Layla and Saadye of @onyx.youth.hub are delivering training to the PM team on Female Genital Mutilation and how we work as MC’s in a safe and approprite way. We have so much love for Layla, Negat, Azza and the team, thank you! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Illustration: @miss_magpie_spy⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#projectmama #refugeesarewelcome #supportsurvivors #doulasupport #traumainformed #resilience #motherhood #equalcareforeverymama #refugeewomenofbristol #cultrualsafety #bristol #refugeeswelcome #bristolcityofsanctuary #endfgm #fgmawareness

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