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 week it is Birth Trauma Awareness week. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We recognise at Project MAMA that many of our clients have a significantly higher chance of experiencing birth trauma due to pre-existing PTSD, which can lead to psychological triggers without adequate trauma-informed and culturally safe maternity care.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It's a huge rational for us providing consistent Mother Companion support throughout the perinatal period, not only for the parent, but to break the cycle of trauma to enable bonding so new families can get off to the best start. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We believe this nurturing care is a radical act and opposes the 'Hostile Environment' so many migrating people face, whilst creating a safe space for those oxytocin vibes which impacts not only mama's mental health but the next generation.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We also acknowledge that structural and psychological barriers faced by non-binary people and trans men also can lead to significant birth trauma and we stand in solidarity.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#motherhood #families #cityofsanctuary #displacedmamas #pregnancy #bristol #solidarity #projectmama #refugeeswelcome #supportsurvivors #doulasupport #traumainformed #resilience #motherhood #equalcareforeverymama #migrantmamasmatter #birthworker #bristol #cityofsanctuary #resilience #birthsupport

We are beyond excited to announce that Asli Tatlia

We are beyond excited to announce that Asli Tatliadim is our new Chair of Trustees!
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Asli has been working with people seeking asylum and refugees for the past six years. With Kurdish origins, she grew up in Turkey. There, she worked as a campaigner and in the front lines with child labourers among refugee and internally displaced populations. Since 2017, she has been working with people seeking asylum at Bristol Refugee Rights, where she is now the Impact and Communications Manager. Asli has worked in Peru, UK and Turkey on multiple grassroots projects on child, migrant, refugee and indigenous rights issues. She is a mother of one. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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She says: “I have been struggling with borders and racism for two decades both in my personal life and as a professional. When I became pregnant and gave birth, my appreciation of birthing people’s struggle with the complex healthcare system and their loneliness in this intimate but scary moment grew immensely. Project MAMA’s work could not be closer to my heart. I am excited to work for this incredible organisation.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Welcome Asli! We're lucky to have you!

When supporting mamas to prepare for the birth of

When supporting mamas to prepare for the birth of their little one, we talk about the 'golden hour'. This very first hour after birth is a sacred time for bonding and:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The release of Oxytocin⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
An important start to initiating feeding⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The beginning of a new relationship earth-side⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The birth of a parent / mother - known as matrescene⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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All of this is supported by an undisturbed first hour. These early moments of parenting can seem rushed, new parents feeling obliged to agree to tests, checks, weighing... rushing to ensure paperwork is completed … when in reality those things can wait. Many parents my not realise they can delay weighing their baby and other checks that follow. This is something our Mother Companions always discuss with mothers when helping them write their birth plan, because it can be so impactful during those first few days and weeks of getting to know their baby. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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There are times when a golden hour immediately after birth isn’t possible; perhaps parent or baby needing additional support. But this golden hour can come later or may even become ‘golden days’ once home and settled. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Incredible llustration @leanne_pearce_artist⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#goldenhour #matresence #becomingamother #postnatalexperience #journeytomotherhood #birthplan #mothercompanion #initiatingbreastfeeding #breastfeeding #delayedcordclamping #calmfirsthour

On Wednesday we had our inaugural PICNIC IN THE PA

On Wednesday we had our inaugural PICNIC IN THE PARK which was the our FIRST group get-together in 16 months!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Mamas and their (rapidly growing) babes gathered to welcome expectant mothers into the fold, with food yoga and much-needed chatter. It was a very special day indeed - and the weather goddesses were very kind!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This mural opposite St. Georges Park couldn't have been more apt (good one, @zoepower!) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We've already had requests for a repeat event, how could we say no?!

We’re shocked and appalled at NICE’s response

We’re shocked and appalled at NICE’s response to black womens maternal mortality, which is dangerous and inherently racist. We stand with the #notsonice campaign.

Repost• @_aliciaburnett 𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲:
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿 (𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲)

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲:
14 October 2021

𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲:
5pm on 6 July 2021.

I am involved in a group response to this draft guideline. Email alicia@all4maternity.com to see the draft and add your signature.

Why have I made this post? I have numerous concerns:

1. NICE statement: "by offering induced labour one week earlier, we can help ensure that women and babies are safer from harm and have the best possible outcomes during birth.”

However: the committee also admit that in order to reduce health inequalities in maternity outcomes more research should be done.

2. NICE assert that non-white women are at higher risk of poor outcomes if their pregnancies continue beyond 37 weeks. However, they note that is not based upon direct evidence, but the committee's knowledge and experience.

3. The guideline advises making women aware of the factors that put them at risk of poor outcomes.

Which effectively means: tell women that their ethnicity puts them and their babies at risk without acknowledging the impact of systemic racism. This places the burden of responsibility upon women instead of the maternity system. Blackness is not the problem. Anti-Blackness is.

4. This guideline recommends induction of labour at 39+0 weeks for women with uncomplicated, singleton pregnancies.

For more information about this guideline update check out @abueladoula, @drsarawickham and @_midwifelife_ .

#midwife #studentmidwife #pregnancy #pregnant #labour #labor #gestation #guidance #clinical #evidencebase

Everything but the baby! This wonderful Moses bask

Everything but the baby! This wonderful Moses basket of essentials is being delivered to an expectant mother today. Thank you to all who made this possible. 🧡

Environmental migration is often overlooked as a c

Environmental migration is often overlooked as a causal factor for people having to flee their homes. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Environmental refugees include immigrants forced to flee because of natural disasters, such as volcanoes and tsunamis. The International Red Cross estimates that there are more environmental refugees than political refugees fleeing from wars and other conflicts.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We're so excited to link with @extinction.rebellion.families to raise awareness of the correlation between environment and displacement, of how motherhood and nurturing extends beyond family life to compassion we must show the planet in this #climateemergency. Head over to their page to donate to their crowdfunder launched during refugee week supporting our work. Solidarity with those seeking environmental justice ✊

Postnatal support provides superior outcomes in po

Postnatal support provides superior outcomes in postpartum adjustment.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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“Studies have shown that cultures in which women are cared for by others for a defined period of days or weeks and are expected only to nurture themselves and their babies during that time have superior outcomes in postpartum adjustment” - Slomian et al, 2019.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Project MAMA began in response to a need for women displaced from community and family to have support through their maternity experience; to ensure each mother gives birth safely, can make informed choices and receive the nurturing support needed for a positive birth and early parenting experience. Owing to socio-economic factors coupled with a hostile environment towards those migrating, the women we support are at an increased risk of having perinatal mental health challenges. Forming a village around birthing parents is so greatly needed.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When it comes to continuity of care from a doula (and in our case. Mother Companions) there is a significant impact and improved outcomes for parents. These are:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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- Increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Increased likelihood of successfully establishing breastfeeding & breastfeeding at 6 weeks ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Lower incidence of depressive symptomatology (symptoms that categorise depression)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Improve equity and provide culturally responsive care⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Break the cycle of generational or inherited trauma.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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As many a mama can attest, small actions can make monuments change and go a long way!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Illustration from the wonderful @charlie_mamas⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#mothercompanion #doulasupport #supportingwomen #supportingfamilites #migrantwomen #equalrightsforall #supportingallwomen #supportforasylumseekers #postnatalsupport #pernatalmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

We're deeply appalled by Priti Patel's plan to out

We're deeply appalled by Priti Patel's plan to out-source the UK's responsibility to protect asylum seekers for "processing" in other nation states. Not only does this very language negate individual's humanity, but these plans to incarcerate individuals abroad echos Colonial behaviour in a time when our foreign policy should be making reparations not replicating shameful practices from the past.
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The so-called 'New Plan for Immigration' is being published next week and is likely to have profound impact on the safety of families, driving up human trafficking, dangerous crossings, and separating and incarcerating mothers, fathers, sisters & brothers. We stand with all people seeking safety. #NotInOurName⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Sign the petition over at Freedom from Torture and raise your voice. Link in bio.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Image @radicistudios #refugeeswelcome #enddetention #endthehostileenvironment #thesewallsmustfall #nooneisillegal #stopdeportations #humanrights #migrantrights #motherhood #families #migrantcrossings #cityofsanctuary #displacedmamas #stoppritipatel

with those seeking asylum on World Refugee Day. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Mutual support is everything! Bristol Refugee Rights, Borderlands, Project MAMA, Refugee Women of Bristol, Bristol Hospitality Network, Aid Box Community and British Red Cross Refugee services are a vital lifeline for many people seeking asylum in the Bristol area. We work collaboratively through the year to help prevent destitution and to make sure people have access to the right support, advice and information to find a route out if they do fall into this situation. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Please donate, share, comment and like our collaborative crowdfunder so we can keep doing great work (link in bio)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Love & solidarity⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#refugeeswelcome #enddetention #endthehostileenvironment #thesewallsmustfall #nooneisillegal #stopdeportations #humanrights #migrantrights #motherhood #families #migrantcrossings #cityofsanctuary #displacedmamas #stoppritipatel #pregnancy #bristol #worldrefugeeday #Nooneissafetilleveryoneissafe

In June, Refugee week and Pride month intersect be

In June, Refugee week and Pride month intersect beautifully!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Lest we forget, the First Pride was a Riot. Although Pride has been coopted and pink washed by corporates and conglomerates which traditionally have oppressed minoritised people, many members of the LGBTQ+ community, including those seeking asylum, still face systemic oppression.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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However this month we celebrating the work of our sibling organisation, Bristol Pride Without Borders, who support LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers with laughter, listening and solidarity. Thanks for all you do!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you'd like to support this vital project, follow the link in our bio. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#queersolidaritysmashesborders #pridewithoutborders #queerpride #lgbt #hereandqueer #endthehostileenvironment #chooselove #refugeeswelcome

Last night a first-time mama birthed her baby supp

Last night a first-time mama birthed her baby supported by one of our MC's, @bebirthbristol.

This mother was seeking asylum and previously, did not have anyone to support her through this pivotal moment. Most women we support are seeking asylum, have refugee status or are survivors of trafficking. This week, alongside celebrating the rich contributions and resilience of displaced mamas, we're raising crucial funds so we can carry on providing support & standing in solidarity with mums-to-be. If you're into the work we do, we salute you! If you are in a position to donate, we're exceptionally grateful. You can head over to our 'Donate' page (link in bio) to gift a one off donation or subscribe to donate monthly.

Thanks for all the support & for standing in solidarity with displaced mamas, and we hope you’re able to celebrate Refugee Week in whichever way you can! 🧡
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#refugeeswelcome #birthsupport #solidarity #migrantrights #oxytocin #displacedmamas #bristol

Refugee Week begins tomorrow!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Refugee Week begins tomorrow!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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No excuse required to repost this...there is so much happening - check our @bristolrefugeefestival for full line up & how to get involved.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Photographer: unknown #refugeeswelcome #enddetention #endthehostileenvironment #thesewallsmustfall #nooneisillegal #stopdeportations #humanrights #migrantrights #migrantcrossings #cityofsanctuary #displacedmamas #stoppritipatel #bristol

they have no idea what it’s like⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
to lose home at the risk of ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
never finding home again⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
to have your entire life⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
split between two lands and⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
become the bridge between two countries⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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immigrant - rupi kaur⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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illustration @filippaedghill⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#refugeeweek

We believe passionately that no-one should birth a

We believe passionately that no-one should birth alone, that all birthing people regardless of immigration status, socio-economic background or level of spoken English should have emotional, practical and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenting. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Migrant parents and those fleeing to safety are especially vulnerable throughout the childbirth year because of a system that's (increasingly) hostile.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Although our MC's are from different backgrounds in the birth world, many identify as Doulas. Special props go to Dr. John Kennell (doctor of pediatrics and researcher known for his work in maternal bonding during childbirth) who said, "if a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." We are all about this!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Thanks to the inimitable Rebecca (and all our MC's) who continue to advocate fiercely.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#solidarity #projectmama #refugeeswelcome #doulasupport #supportsurvivors #doulasupport #traumainformed #resilience #equalcareforeverymama #migrantmamasmatter #strongwomen #birthworker #bristol #cityofsanctuary #resilience #birthsupport

NAMING CEREMONY⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Yesterday we were invited to attend a newborns naming ceremony by a mama from Gambia who we supported as she gave birth last week. We’ve known Sona since our beginning when she gave birth to Fatima, now 3 years old. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This tradition takes place 7 days after the birth, and is a space for family, friends and community to welcome new life and set intentions for the baby, so she may have a solid foundation for the rest of her life. It is a day when the parents give their newborn a chosen name. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The Imam led prayers, focusing on community, the strength and importance of living life with intention, friendship, chosen family and a stable foundation. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The baby was named Aminah, meaning trustworthy, faithful and feeling safe. The Imam spoke of how names are an invocation; that when Aminah's name is said to her, the attributes of her name meaning are also evoked.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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He asked me the meaning of our names, mine being Fiona, which means 'the fair one'. It was a reminder too, that I will be mindful to be fair in my actions and what I put out into the world.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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After the ceremony, much feasting and celebrations continued into the day. Congratulations to mother, baby and the whole community. We're grateful to be considered amongst them!
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Does your name have a meaning? Do you embody it?! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Image: Kevin Whipple⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#namingceremony #intentionsetting #motherhood #Gámbi #community #solidarity #support #chosenfamily

Trigger warning: Stillbirth, miscarriage.⠀⠀⠀

Trigger warning: Stillbirth, miscarriage.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This month @sandscharity are running their campaign to raise awareness of stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK. Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to ensure that anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best possible care and support for as long as they need it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This is a subject especially close to our hearts as we know that there is a significantly higher stillbirth risk for mothers experiencing deprivation, unemployment, stress and domestic abuse in pregnancy, which accounts for 9/10 of the parents we support and is especially high amongst displaced or migrant populations.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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For more than 40 years, Sands has always been there; walking with bereaved parents as they navigate their lives without their babies, providing a safe space to grieve and commemorate their babies, working with the NHS to provide empathetic bereavement care and campaigning to save babies' lives. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you would like to access Sands support, we've put their link in our bio. You're not alone. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Thank you for doing what you do, @sandscharity.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#AlwaysThere #BabyLoss⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Image: @soni_artist

Our collaborative crowdfunder led by @BristolRefug

Our collaborative crowdfunder led by @BristolRefugeeRights is now live!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Working within the Bristol refugee support sector is crucial to enabling marginalised individuals holistic support, agency and the best chance of survival within a hostile system. If you are looking to support an important cause this month, please consider donating to our joint solidarity fund which can mean survival for some people seeking asylum. Link can be found in our bio.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Love & Solidarity

A POST OF UNAPOLOGETIC GRATITUDE💞⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It feels somewhat disingenuous to post about volunteer week when our incredible volunteers are, quite literally, the beginning and the end of Project MAMA. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Over the last year, we've not only pulled together, but over 50 additional volunteers joined our huddle to deliver emergency items to mamas and their families, and several more have joined us as Mother Companions and crucial admin support so no mama births alone. Our team of trustees has also grown!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Here is a throwback to times when we retreated ourselves - doulas, midwives, trustees, policy writers, change makers - all with the same vision and purpose in mind. Grateful doesn't begin to cover it. Thank you, incredible, fierce, gentle, persistent, nurturing souls. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#solidarity #projectmama #refugeeswelcome #supportsurvivors #doulasupport #traumainformed #resilience #parenthoodhood #equalcareforeverymama #migrantmamasmatter #birthworker #bristol #cityofsanctuary #resilience #birthsupport #libertyequalietmaternity⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#volunteerweek #bristol

Hello to all newcomers to our social media page! W

Hello to all newcomers to our social media page! We love connecting with you and we are grateful for your support amongst such a positive deluge of radical causes and inspiring humans, all fighting the good fight.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We've been working tirelessly since March 2018 to support mamas seeking asylum, with refugee status, survivors of trafficking, exploitation, migrants moving within Europe, to study, or from a traveller background. We do this because statistically, if you're from a migrant background (and we use this term loosely), you are more likely to have poorer physical or mental health and wellbeing outcomes for yourself or your baby. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Reports continue to highlight how these discrepancies are rooted in systemic xenophobia and racism. We know this is unacceptable. Ideally, we want total systemic change; we want to dismantle harmful patriarchies and overhaul outdated medical modals which cause harm and sustain divisions and health discrepancies. With so many amazing organisations and radical folk addressing exactly this, we continue to support their efforts and continue to focus on what we are experts at; individually tailored support for displaced mamas throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenting.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We will remain here, in Bristol, supporting mamas facing multiple disadvantage against a rising tide of hostility. We love what we do and we're doing our best to ensure no mama births alone. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Thanks for joining us and for believing in our work. Please continue to spread the word. It really does take a village.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Love & solidarity from Project MAMA xx

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