Did you know that leading pregnancy charity Tommy’s has a team of midwives who are on hand to provide support and advice to all expectant parents, before or during pregnancy? They are also able to offer support if you have experienced a pregnancy loss or if you are pregnant after a loss. We wanted to find out more about Tommy’s Midwives and the support they offer, so we chatted to Kate Marsh and Alicia Burnett two of the team of Tommy’s Midwives, to find out how they’re helping expectant parents and how to access their support during your own pregnancy.
Who are the Tommy’s Midwives?
“Tommy’s Midwives support women and birthing people going through pregnancy complications or loss. Our dedicated team of midwives all work part-time for the NHS as well as on the Tommy’s Midwives’ Helpline. This means they are close to what is happening in the real world of maternity and bereavement care. As well as being trained, experienced and expert midwives, they have all had extra training in specialist subjects and bring this to the helpline.
What services do Tommy's Midwives offer?
“Our Tommy’s Midwives’ Helpline is a freephone line open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You can call 0800 0147 800. You can also email our midwives if you’d prefer by contacting [email protected]. We also have a specialist helpline for Black and Black Mixed-Heritage women and birthing people. This is because this group has a higher risk of pregnancy complications and loss.
You can book your call with our Black and Mixed Black Helpline here.
Our midwife team are behind all of the healthy pregnancy information on the Tommy’s website, which includes information on pregnancy complications, pregnancy symptoms to look out for, as well as support around loss, mental health and wellbeing.
Tommy’s also launched the ‘We See A Mum’ campaign in 2022 to recognise all mums, wherever they are on their pregnancy journey, and to encourage people to talk more openly about different paths to parenthood.”
What can I talk to them about?
“Our Helpline is for anyone who needs advice, reassurance or support on any pregnancy or planning for pregnancy issue, including mental health.
The midwives who run the line are specialists who can support you with any aspect of pregnancy loss (including miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy or termination for medical reasons) that would be helpful for you, including mental health and pregnancy after loss.
A recent poll for Tommy’s ‘We See A Mum’ campaign revealed that 59% of mums didn’t share their own journey to becoming a parent with their own mum. The poll revealed ‘embarrassment’, it being ‘too personal’ and ‘not having that type of relationship with their mum’ as the top reasons for keeping the journey a secret.
If you can’t talk to a parent, a family member or a friend, Tommy’s Midwives are here to listen and support you.”
What's a typical day like for a Tommy's Midwife?
“We start the day at 9am and we answer calls and emails on any pregnancy-related topics. We provide up to date and evidence-based information and advice, and signpost to more support if needed. We treat every person who contacts us with compassion, care and kindness, just as we do in our jobs as midwives.
We also regularly feature in videos and Q&As with followers of the Tommy’s Pregnancy Hub Instagram account and represent Tommy’s at pregnancy, birth and health professional conferences and events across the UK.”
How can I get in touch with Tommy’s Midwives?
“You can call the Tommy’s Midwives’ Helpline on 0800 0147 800. You can also email our midwives if you’d prefer by contacting [email protected]. The Helpline is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
If you don’t get through to us immediately, please leave your number – we get back to everyone. Our Helpline is a non-urgent line, offering general support and advice and we will not be able to make local referrals for you.
You can book your call with our Black and Mixed Black Helpline here.”
Join the community of families helping to make pregnancy and birth safe – for everyone.
Will you donate £5 and help a Tommy’s midwife be there for every mum?
Whatever you’re able to give, you can help fund Tommy’s pregnancy research and care. We’d like to invite you to be a part of giving hope and support to other parents on their journey to growing a family.
Tommy’s is a registered charity in England and Wales (1060508) and Scotland (SC039280).
