Maternity Mates Project - Support for Expecting Mothers
**Overview**
Maternity Mates is a supportive program designed for pregnant women residing in Newham, Tower Hamlets, or Waltham Forest who lack a suitable support network or have specific healthcare needs. The program offers both emotional and practical assistance through the use of trained volunteers, known as Maternity Mates.
**Eligibility**
- Open to pregnant women living in Newham, Tower Hamlets, or Waltham Forest.
- Suitable for those with limited support networks or specific healthcare needs.
**Support Timeline**
- Support can begin in the 5th month of pregnancy and continues through birth and postnatal periods:
- Newham: Support up to 12 weeks post-birth
- Tower Hamlets: Support up to 6 weeks post-birth
**Services Offered**
Maternity Mates provide the following services:
- Emotional and practical support before, during, and after childbirth
- Assistance in attending appointments (hospital, GP, antenatal classes)
- Information on birth planning, including pain relief options and birthing choices
- Accompaniment on facility tours (hospitals or community birthing centers)
- Guidance on breastfeeding and connections to local children’s centers
Maternity Mates typically spend 2 to 3 hours per week with each mother, helping to facilitate a positive birth experience and aiding in informed decision-making regarding care.
**Limitations**
Maternity Mates do not:
- Offer clinical advice or perform medical tasks
- Provide domestic tasks (cleaning, shopping, cooking)
- Offer babysitting or transportation services
**Referral Process**
There is currently no waiting list, but referrals are prioritized by the estimated due date. Interested individuals can refer themselves or someone else using the external form provided.
**Get Involved**
If you are interested in becoming a Maternity Mate, please reach out via email at maternity.mates@whfs.org.uk.
For further information or to access services, please contact us at [Insert phone number] or email maternity.mates@whfs.org.uk. We look forward to supporting you during this vital stage of your life!
Service access criteria:
Maternity Mates is currently open to pregnant women living in Newham, Tower Hamlets or Waltham Forest who do not have a suitable support network or have specific needs or healthcare issues. Women can be referred to Maternity Mates™ at any time after the 5th month of pregnancy up until the baby is 6 to 12 weeks old. Although we can accept referrals at any time during this period, we always encourage women to be referred at the earliest opportunity, so that we can provide the maximum support and give the mum and baby the best possible start.
Categories:
Advocacy
Midwifery and maternity services
Healthy lifestyle
Information and advice
Additional needs catered for:
Non English speaking friendly
Waiting list (weeks):
0
Newham, Tower Hamlets, pregnancy, pregnant, mum, parent, Waltham Forest, birth, baby, babies, child, children, midwife, perinatal, perinatal mental health, maternity, WHFS, sister circle