Applications for Birth Support for Women in Pregnancy and Birth
Expectant parents sometimes find themselves needing or wanting extra support during pregnancy and birth. All About Birth, who proudly support families through this transitional time, recognise that some people may have additional challenges during their pregnancy but find it difficult to access this support themselves. This can include women with additional social needs who lack a local support network, those who have experienced previous birth trauma or mental health challenges, those who are single parents and/or those facing complex pregnancies.
To help ensure all women feel supported and empowered during this life-changing experience, All About Birth has been awarded a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. This enables us to provide fully funded support by specially trained birth companions—known as doulas—to women needing support due to additional circumstances or who may otherwise be without support, and who cannot access this care themselves. Our aim is to offer compassionate, continuous support during the final months of pregnancy and throughout birth so that each family has a positive start to life with their newborn. This grant also provides opportunities for community antenatal courses and workshops in collaboration with community and women’s centres (read below for more information).
Our doulas hold an Access NI check, indemnity insurance and certification from training courses accredited by Doula UK, alongside a vast range of continuing education and experience in areas such as biomechanics for birth, birth trauma, pregnancy after previous loss and much more. This ensures every woman receives high‑quality, professional and nurturing care when she needs it most.
About the funding
We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised the needs of parents during pregnancy and birth. Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to offer doula support to families as well as antenatal classes and workshops to community organisations.
Our project will provide fully funded doula support to families who need additional support living in the following areas: Antrim, Down, Armagh and South Tyrone.
Please note this project is aimed at those who can not reasonably afford to fund doula support for themselves. Applications will be prioritised for those living in disadvantaged areas, who are receiving Universal Credit or have other extenuating circumstances.
What is involved?
Once you submit your application, we will get in touch as soon as possible to let you know if our doulas will be able to support you. We recommend waiting until after 20 weeks to submit your application. If you are under 20 weeks your application may be held for review at a later date.
If successful, you’ll have the chance to chat with them, make sure you’re a good match and begin building a supportive relationship with your doula.
Support during pregnancy will include a number of sessions to get to know you and your plans for birth. Your doula will go on-call at 38 weeks and will provide continuous support throughout labour and birth. There’s also WhatsApp chat for any questions or updates you may have during your pregnancy.
When labour begins, simply contact your doula and she will meet you at your planned place of birth. If you’re having a planned caesarean birth, you’ll be able to make arrangements together ahead of time.
Application form
Funded courses and workshops for community organisations
With generous support from the National Lottery Community Fund, we are delighted to be able to offer antenatal courses and workshops to community groups such as parent support charities, Sure Starts and Women’s Centres.
Our 4-week courses consist of 4 x 2-hour sessions covering key topics for labour, birth and postnatal recovery.
Our workshops are 2-hours each with a choice of topics from:
- Movement for an Easier Birth: Active Birth and Water Birth
- Building Your Birth Plans
- Comfort Measures for Labour & Pain Relief Options
- Induction
- Practical Baby Care & Life with a New Baby
- Babywearing
If you are involved in a community organisation and interested in finding out more about our fully funded courses and workshops, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
