Sahar's journey as Maternity Mate

Sahar's journey as Maternity Mate

The Maternity Mates programme equips volunteers to provide 1-2-1 support to pregnant women, offering guidance during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Not only does it provide essential support to women who may be facing challenging circumstances, but it also gives Maternity Mates the chance to develop key skills through an in-depth training programme.

Sahar, the first Maternity Mate to support a parent through all stages of pregnancy, birth, and post-partum, shares her powerful journey of helping another mother navigate these transformative stages.

"As a mother of two, I understand the struggles that come with pregnancy and childbirth. When I discovered the Maternity Mate training programme, I saw an opportunity to support other mums who might be going through the same challenges."

Sahar was paired with a pregnant woman who spoke the same language but didn’t know English. From their first meeting, Sahar helped guide her through the complexities of pregnancy and birth. They worked together to create a birth plan and visited baby and food banks to ensure she had the resources she needed.

"I was there when the hospital staff dismissed her concerns, and I visited her in the hospital multiple times to provide support. She needed me there to help advocate for her and comfort her."

Sahar’s support continued after the birth, offering guidance with breastfeeding and baby care. She connected the mother with the Parent Action Baby group to ensure continued assistance. Sahar’s role as a Maternity Mate not only transformed this mother's experience but also gave her the inspiration to learn English to help others in the future.

This case study demonstrates the life-changing impact of the Maternity Mates programme, not just for the mothers it supports, but for the volunteers as well. Sahar’s story is a testament to the power of empathy, patience, and community. By giving back, Maternity Mates ensure that no one has to face the challenges of pregnancy and birth alone.

Reflections on the Maternity Mate Experience

Sahar’s journey as a Maternity Mate is a powerful reminder of the impact that support and compassion can have during the most challenging moments of a person’s life. By offering both emotional and practical guidance, Sahar not only helped a mother navigate the complexities of pregnancy and birth but also played a vital role in reducing isolation and increasing self-sufficiency. Her reflections emphasize the significance of being present—whether it’s advocating for a mother’s needs in the hospital or providing a safe space for them to learn and grow. Sahar’s experience highlights the reciprocal nature of volunteering; in giving support, she found her own sense of purpose and fulfillment, gaining invaluable skills that will continue to shape her journey as a Doula.

Through the Maternity Mates programme, Sahar not only made a profound difference in another person’s life but also empowered herself, demonstrating the long-lasting benefits of community-driven support.

Excerpt:
Sahar’s experience as a Maternity Mate highlights the transformative power of support. From creating birth plans to offering postpartum assistance, Sahar’s journey illustrates the deep impact of compassionate care. Through her role, Sahar ensured that no mother faced these challenges alone, while also growing in skills and compassion. Her story reflects the true essence of the Maternity Mates programme – empowering both the volunteers and the parents they support.

Parent Action are running the Maternity Mates pilot in Southwark in partnership with Sister Circle and Kings Maternity Services. To find out more about Sister Circle's Maternity Mate's project please click here: Sister Circle