Here’s how it works
Our culturally sensitive birth partners provide compassionate, practical and emotional support throughout pregnancy, during labour and birth, and in the postnatal period.
Referral
Our support begins as soon as a referral is received. We accept referrals from pregnant women themselves, GPs, midwives, health visitors, maternity services, voluntary and community organisations, local authorities and other professionals.
Once we receive a referral, we speak with the mother to understand her individual circumstances, support needs, expected delivery date and any challenges she may be experiencing.
Individuals and professionals are welcome to contact Ubuntu Birth and Bereavement Companions CIC to make a referral.
Volunteer Birth Partner Team Assigned
Once a referral has been accepted, we contact our trained volunteer birth partners to identify who is available to support the mother.
A small team of volunteers may be assigned to provide consistent support during the final stages of pregnancy, throughout labour and birth, and during the postnatal period.
Having a team helps us provide reliable support while ensuring that the mother becomes familiar and comfortable with the birth partners who may accompany her during labour.
Building Trust and Friendships with the Mum-to-Be
Our volunteer birth partners meet and communicate regularly with the mum-to-be during the weeks leading up to the birth. This important stage allows everyone to get to know one another, build trust and develop a supportive relationship.
During this time, we clearly explain the support Ubuntu provides and help the mother understand her maternity care, birth choices and rights. We offer emotional support, practical information and guidance to help her feel informed, confident and prepared for childbirth.
Where appropriate, our volunteers may accompany mothers to maternity appointments, support communication with healthcare professionals and signpost them to other relevant services.
24-Hour Support During Labour
As the expected delivery date approaches, Ubuntu creates an on-call support rota among the assigned volunteer birth partners.
Because it is not always possible to predict when labour will begin, volunteers remain in regular contact with the mother and provide telephone support when needed. Once labour begins, an available birth partner can accompany and support the mother in hospital.
Our birth partners provide continuous emotional reassurance, encouragement, comfort and practical support. They can help the mother communicate her wishes and understand information; however, they do not provide medical advice or replace midwives or other healthcare professionals.
Postnatal Support Continues After Birth
Our support does not end when the baby is born. Ubuntu volunteers continue to check in with the mother and baby during the postnatal period.
Depending on the mother’s individual needs, support may include home visits, telephone calls, emotional support, help accessing essential baby items and guidance on available community services.
We check whether the mother requires additional support and signpost or refer her to appropriate services, including health, wellbeing, housing, immigration, food support and community organisations.
Our aim is to ensure that every mother feels supported, valued and connected as she begins her journey into motherhood.