Supporting Childbearing Women & People Experiencing Disadvantage
Doulas Without Borders is a UK wide network of volunteers offering accessible, grassroots services to women and childbearing people experiencing multiple disadvantage and financial hardship during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
Our focus is on providing the emotional, physical and informational support which is crucial during pregnancy, birth and early mother/parenthood.
A calm, supported mother or parent who is able to bond with their baby moves society one step closer to a resilient, connected and well-adapted next generation.
We provide accessible pregnancy, birth and postnatal support for people in financial hardship who are, for example:
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Survivors and victims of domestic/sexual violence
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Experiencing displacement and seeking refuge/asylum
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Experiencing homelessness
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Experiencing/expecting to experience pregnancy or infant loss
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Aged under 20, without adequate support
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Survivors and victims of trafficking and modern-day slavery
We accept referrals on a case-by-case basis, so please contact us if you think someone needs support but doesn't meet any of the above criteria.
our mission
To provide support, education and advocacy for pregnant, birthing and newly mothering women in disadvantage, as a means to foster and facilitate more positive birth experiences, encourage robust attachment and build positive change for future generations.
what we believe
Women and birthing people who have experienced trauma and disadvantage deserve extra support and advocacy in the childbearing year.
Pregnant people who have been through abuse, trauma and multiple disadvantage are being further traumatised in childbirth.
By supporting those in disadvantage during this key time we can help break cycles of trauma into the next generation.
our approach
We are working towards the improvement of outcomes in the childbearing year for those who have experienced trauma and disadvantage, as a means to contribute towards positive change in society, for both current and future generations.
We aim to
Foster engagement for pregnancy, birth and the postnatal experience.
Support and advocate towards a more informed, dignified and engaged pregnancy, birth and postnatal time
Encourage confidence and attachment in early mothering and parenting
Contribute towards the improvement of quality of life and resilience for future generations who are born into disadvantaged circumstances
Provide safety through continuous, culturally appropriate, language-inclusive presence.
Testimonials
"In the beginning I was uptight, not feeling confident when thinking about how to manage with my first child and now my pregnancy alone. I asked Brentry children’s center to help me with this situation Thank the lord the best happened for me to find out about Doulas Without Borders. I had never heard of a Doula before or the organisation, so at first I was unsure. I left it up to my God and spirit brought me Nova. She was so kind and respectful in her spirit. She spoke carefully to me and explained clearly what DWB can offer and I felt positive again that there is help, but still a little apprehensive opening up and feeling safe because if my previous trauma.
For the second meeting I met with Nova and Mollie and we prepared a plan to support me with my first child and the delivery of my baby. On the 27/12/2020 I did not feel well so I called Nova at 10pm, she came straight away and stayed with me for the next nights making me and my daughter feel comfortable and happy-bless her. during the time before my labour and for the birth 29/12/20 I felt safe and protected with her supporting me through every moment. Nova is doing really great hard work and afterwards now she still supports me. Mollie took care of my first child during my labour and came to see me afterwards with clothes, toys and things for my baby. They are the best. They are family and good friends to me and my two girls. They will stay in my heart forever, bless you all who work Doulas without Borders. Thank you"
— DWB Client, mother of 2