What we do

Amma is a Glasgow-based organisation that supports asylum seeking and refugee women, as well as those with uncertain/insecure immigration status—all of whom are confronting exceptional adversity on their journey towards motherhood.

Who we support

We provide trained, nurturing birth companions to vulnerable women in Glasgow who face giving birth alone, away from their friends, family and other support systems.

Our team of 15 fully trained, nurturing and compassionate birth companions offers support on a voluntary basis, from pregnancy through to birth, and beyond.

Although we have a well-defined set of referral criteria, we are always happy to consider requests for support on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Sarah to discuss.

Make a referral

Our role

A birth companion, also known as a doula, is someone who is trained to support women in a caring and respectful way through significant

and, in some cases, traumatic events—mainly childbirth.

An ever-increasing research base shows that the presence of a doula can lead to better birth outcomes, particularly for socially disadvantaged or low income women, as well as those facing language/cultural barriers and/or giving birth alone.

What we provide

Support

We train and equip volunteer birth companions to accompany, support and nurture vulnerable mothers.
Our volunteer birth companions receive extensive professional training in how to offer non-medical practical and emotional support, information, and advocacy to women before, during and after pregnancy and birth.
Each of our birth companions is overseen by an experienced mentor who can offer professional insight and support.

Companionship

Our trained birth companions accompany women who request it into the delivery room and will remain by their side throughout the birth—whatever form it takes.
They offer ongoing support in those important and challenging days, weeks and months of adapting to motherhood.
At Amma, we also create opportunities for new mums to get together regularly to offer each other the support of an understanding network.

Advocacy

We believe every woman has the right to understand her choices during pregnancy, birth and beyond.
It is also important that every woman feels respected and listened to throughout the birthing process.
We discuss individual birth preferences with each mother we support, and can advocate on her behalf to ensure these preferences are understood by care providers.
Ultimately, our aim is to help women achieve the most positive birth experience possible.