Empowered Birthing: Navigating Natural Pregnancy
Pregnancy and childbirth are of course natural, but in this day and age, getting a little help from modern medicine is often advised, for complications like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia. This makes both safer, with highly trained midwives and follow-up support.
The Positive Birth Company offers apps and courses for an easier birth.
Founded by a woman trained in hypnobirthing (after her own difficult birth that involved a lengthy induction and forceps delivery), this company offers courses accredited by the Royal College of Midwives, for pregnancy, hypnobirthing and post-partum.
NHS site has an overview of different types of childbirth. It does not recommend water births for high-risk pregnancies.
Though statistically as safe, in rare cases there has been cases of drowning, waterborne infections, breathing problems and rupture of the umbilical cord. Also read why breastfeeding is (nearly) always best.
National Childbirth Trust has good information on labour and birth, with pain relief options. To reduce risk of stillbirth and miscarriage, expert advice includes:
- Eat well, and avoid smoking and alcohol. Avoid caffeine or reduce to no more than 1 cup of mild coffee or 2 cups of tea daily (avoid cola). Most coffee house drinks are higher in caffeine, so reduce accordingly.
- Obviously eat well and avoid smoking or alcohol. Also limit caffeine (no more than 1 cup of coffee or 2 cups of mild tea per day – ideally none). Know that ‘coffee shop’ drinks are higher in caffeine.
- Protect against infections like flu (wear a mask).
- A baby’s movements should increase up to around 32 weeks, then stay static until the due date. If something is not normal, contact your GP immediately. Attend all ante-natal appointments.
- Try not to sleep on your back, as this can compress your inferior vena cava (large vein) which reduces blood flow to a baby. The Lullaby Trust has info on the safest ways for babies to sleep, to reduce risk of crib death (they do not recommend cot bumpers). Read more on natural nurseries.
- Preemie Care is a guide by experts on navigating the first year, if you have given birth to a premature baby.
Together Health Folate is from spinach in the recommended 400mcg dose for pregnancy, with other beneficial compounds.
Sustainable Maternity Clothing: Comfortable Brands
If you are pregnant (or nursing), then you don’t have to buy specific maternity clothing, but it helps as such items are comfortable and nursing clothing often have discreet flaps when you need to feed your baby.
Choosing sustainably-made clothing made from natural materials like organic cotton and linen, is good as they are breathable and more comfortable, especially in warm weather.
If you find any clothing with synthetic materials (like spandex for stretch), launder in a microfiber filter.
Support for Bereaved New Parents
The charities SANDS and CRUSE offer free bereavement services (use the Baby Mailing Preference service to remove junk mail related to baby items, to avoid further upset).
The charity Dresses for Angels creates beautiful ‘Angel burial gowns’ from people donating wedding and bridesmaid dresses, so contact them if you have a lost a baby.
A Plastic-Free Pregnancy Test Kit
Hoopsy Pregnancy Test is unique in that it’s a medically approved pregnancy test (99% accurate). but this one is made from 99% paper, and easy to use.
It can be used up to 5 days before your period is due, and is easy to write on, if you want to record the day you took the test. Contains 5 tests (also in a 10 pack and 3 pack).
The test gives results in 5 to 10 minutes (depending on how diluted urine is). And takes up less space in landfill than plastic tests, if it’s throw in the bin. So it doesn’t take decades to break down, like plastic pregnancy tests.
This test has been approved for sale in the UK and EU by the medical authorities (MHRA and CE). The test is easy to read (positive, negative or invalid – which may mean you didn’t follow the instructions).
To use, just open the test pouch and hold the end with the Hoopsy logo. Put the other end in your urine stream for 3 to 5 seconds, being careful not to pee over the MAX line! Put the test on a flat surface, with the printed side up.
Then wait 5 to 10 minutes, to read the result. Do not read the result after 10 minutes.
Foods to Avoid When Pregnant/Nursing
Pregnant (and breastfeeding) women must avoid certain foods to keep them and babies safe. Also wash soil off salads and vegetables and avoid caffeine. Ensure food is well-cooked. Read more on food safety for people & pets.
Foods to avoid include:
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Some herb teas (check labels)
- Raw meat, liver and cold-cut meats (salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, chorizo)
- Game meats (goose, partridge, pheasant)
- All pâté (including vegetarian pâté)
- Raw or partially cooked eggs
- Liquorice and liquorice root
- Too much ginger (contracts uterus to cause early labour)
- If you eat fish: avoid raw fish, and no more than 2 weekly portions of oily fish or tuna steaks (no more than 4 cans of tuna)
Dr.Vegan Pregnancy Multinutrient Supplement
Dr.Vegan Pregnancy Multinutrient is a quality supplement, the first order is sold in a refillable metal tin, then you just order refills in eco-pouches thereafter. You can buy once, or get a free pill tin, then subscribe for bigger savings.
This supplement is to protect the health of you and your developing baby, with folate for foetal development and growth, along with nutrients for healthy teeth and bones, balanced hormones and reduced fatigue. It contains 27 essential nutrients including 400mcg of folate, B vitamins and choline.
Before taking supplements, check with GP if pregnant/nursing or on medication. Keep them away from young children and pets, and recycle unused supplements at pharmacies.
Take 2 small capsules per day, morning or evening (they can be opened and mixed into smoothies, yoghurt or food. Do not exceed recommended dose. You can also take this supplement if you’re trying to conceive (or breastfeeding).
When to Consult Your Doctor
- You have thyroid conditions, anaemia, diabetes or gastrointestinal disorders.
- You are carrying twins or more.
- You take anticoagulants, thyroid medication or high-dose supplements.
- You experience persistent nausea, vomiting or constipation from supplements.
- You are unsure about combining a separate DHA, choline or iron product.
- Do not increase the dose unless advised by your clinician. If you take separate iron or iodine, check combined totals with your midwife or GP.
Together Health Pregnancy multi for folate and also for conception and nursing
Designing Your Own Path: Childfree Lifestyles
There’s this silly idea still by some (including the US vice-president) that there’s something wrong with people who choose childfree lifestyles. In fact, this is now becoming a very popular way of living, whether it’s due to worries about overpopulation, money worries or simply wishing to travel and live another kind of lifestyle.
Overpopulation is not so much the issue, more the fact that the average western child has a carbon footprint around 11 times of say one in Nigeria.
It does not mean that people who don’t have children, don’t like them! In fact, many people who are childfree work to help child welfare.
Plus of course many people have fertility issues, so don’t make remarks near such people, as it could upset them, if you don’t think that there are possibly other reasons for someone being childfree.
Others may have had a frightening trauma like a stillbirth or perhaps childhood abuse. You never know the reasons, so don’t judge. Some even go childfree, due to not wishing to pass on genetic risks.
Adoption of course is one avenue, to give loving homes to those who need them.
And even more relevant in this big bad world, many people now simply don’t want to bring children into a world run by idiots and narcissists who are destroying world peace and the planet. They simply find it too frightening. We now have leaders who literally are stopping people from giving birth, due to their terrifying actions.
Also read the post on modern natural conception methods.
Religious people should not tell others to have children
Often it’s organised religion and politicians that tend to ‘tell people’ that they should have children. Of course if someone feels that’s their life vocation, then have children. But never have them, simply because a vicar, priest or politician tells you to! It’s your business!
I have no regrets about not having my own children. It is my life. 400 years ago, I’d have been burned as a witch, for not wanting children. Or they’d have dunked me, like a big biscuit. Kathy Burke
Unfortunately politics and religion sometimes merges, when we start getting right-wing MPs saying that we should all have children ‘for the sake of society’.
It hasn’t worked so far, as most older people in England are shoved away in nursing homes when they get old and infirm. Unlike say in Indian cultures, where relatives go to live with the family, when they can no longer live independently.
Andrew Ridgley (who has a stepson) does not have biological children. On being asked in an interview recently which living person he most despised, he answers ‘too many to single out, but almost exclusively inhabiting the realms of politics and the clergy’.
Questions not to ask childfree women!
Journalist Emma Gannon writes how it’s good not to ask these questions to people who choose to be childfree, as you’re likely very off the mark on what their reasons are:
- You’ll probably change your mind.
- Who’s going to take care of you, when you’re old?
- How will you fill your time?
- So, you’re a career woman?
- Do you not like children?
- Are you going to freeze your eggs?
- Aren’t you worried you won’t have true love?
A few people who are proudly childfree
- Jennifer Aniston
- Miley Cyrus
- Dolly Parton
- Dame Helen Mirren
- Renee Zellwegger
- Debbie Harry
Sometimes I will meet kids who make me go ‘I want a kid’. And then sometimes I’ll meet children where I go ‘I hope that my sperm doesn’t do anything, because this person is a terror’. Trevor Noah
I’d worry sick about a baby. I have a cat. I check the door three times before I go out. I put food and water in every room in case the door closes, and he’s peckish for 20 minutes. Ricky Gervais
Overconsumption (not overpopulation) is the issue
A few hundred years ago, there were not even a billion people on earth. But today the population grows by around 83 million year, and by 2050, we will have almost 10 billion people on the planet.
The UK now has around 67 million people (London has over 8 million people).
And by 2025, it’s expected for us to be the second largest country in Europe. It’s already the most overcrowded (way more than say New Zealand, which is one of the least overcrowded nations in the world).
Apart from two years since 1955, the number of births has been higher than the number of deaths (though health care funding is not on a par with the level needed to prevent ‘preventable deaths’ for many diseases).
And the average birth rate of (just under 2 births) per woman is not expected to decrease any time soon.
Another scary policy for many countries (and approved by many right-wing MPs) is ‘pronatalism’. This is why everyone is encouraged to ‘marry and have families for the good of society’.
As if being a ‘childfree cat lady’ is not something of worth, and of course it gives rise to societies full of prejudice for anyone who is childless, gay or an immigrant.
In fact, the ‘solutions to overpopulation’ are far simpler and more intelligent than that. A blend of:
- Natural safe contraception (including abroad).
- Education (to help reduce unwanted pregnancies)
- Adopting children who need loving homes
- Having smaller families that consume less resources
It’s western consumers (often at the expense of poor people abroad) that are killing the planet. 25% or so of the world is now under 15 years old, so it’s vital to educate on how to live simply for the 90% of young people who live in developing countries – most at risk from floods, droughts and other catastrophes from a warming planet.
Then we have the arguments for and again voluntary euthanasia along with religion banning contraception (and the ethical/moral issue of abortion).
New Zealand (has hardly any people!)
If you get a bit stressed by busy streets, you’d love NZ. Due to its isolated location (even Australia is hours away) and strict immigration, the country has a low population – about 20 people per square kilometre. That’s compared to 5000 people per square metre in London. Or 434 per square metre as an average in England.
New Zealand is the third-least corrupt nation
Only pipped by Finland and Denmark, New Zealand ranks the third-least-corrupted country on earth. The Index evaluated countries that abused power for personal gain. Sounds familiar?
That’s why England is ranked down at 20 (below most of Europe, Australia and Uruguay). It’s interesting that the corrupt countries (North Korea, Syria, Somalia) also tend to be the ones that go to war.
One experiment to see how honest people where, left money everywhere, to see who would pick it up. Finland came out top, closely followed by many other countries (likely New Zealand). The most corrupt place (people did not hand in the money) was Vatican City – home of the billion-pound Catholic Church!
How overpopulation impacts wildlife
Due to humans driving cars using up resources, polluting the earth and oceans and leaving litter everywhere (along with climate change and hunting/poaching), the UK now faces 25% of all its native mammals facing extinction.
The real issue is overconsumption
Governments remain antiquated in their ideas, and some now resort to criticising immigrants (our country would likely fall apart without them, as they make up the backbone of the NHS and other caring professions).
Most population growth is in just 9 countries: India, Nigeria (growing the most), Pakistan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Indonesia, Democratic Republic of Congo and USA. Nearly all the world’s people live in Asia and Africa, but they tend to live more simply.
The issue is not really overpopulation, but overconsumption. There’s nothing wrong with a devout Catholic family sprouting 8 children.
What is the problem is a family having one child that demands factory-farmed fast food, iPads and iPods, designer trainers shipped in from Asia, palm-oil-laden peanut butter and being ferried around by car.
On a planetary level, the average person in the UK uses 11 times more resources than someone in Nigeria. So a lot of the issue is how we live, not how many people.
One western child often has a far higher carbon footprint than 8 Chinese ones! In just 2 weeks, the average person in England emits as much carbon as a person in Mali does for a year.
A Guide to Choosing Beautiful Baby Names
Naming your baby is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Of course it may not be an English name, depending on your preferences or heritage. But the days of naming babies after celebrities, places of conception or even football teams seemed to have waned. More traditional names are now coming back into the fold.
The long-term effect of naming a baby is very real. The name may be shortened, it’s important to know if it goes well with the surname, some parents also choose middle names. And the name will appear forever on exam papers, CVs, invitations and even at wedding ceremonies.
There’s no rush. Once your babe is born, get together and come up with favourite names. Say the names out loud, write them down, think of possible ‘nicknames’ that may ensue. And don’t name people after pressure from relatives.
One woman with the lovely name of Peach in the US, says that people always ask her if her sister’s name is Papaya!
Coincidence? Sarah Blizzard is a weather presenter and David Limb is an orthopaedic surgeon. The Guardian
Research Meanings and Origins
Check the meaning behind each name. Biblical name meanings are easy to find out about. But you can always find out the meaning of names from other cultures and religions. Naming a baby after a nice positive event is good.
You don’t need a huge list, just come up with a few names that fit your taste and values. Names on themes on nature and serenity carry a calm quiet power. We like:
- Willow: Graceful and flexible, with a soft sound.
- River: Fresh and steady, good for boys and girls.
- Aurora: Dawn light and colour, poetic yet strong.
- Iris: A flower and a rainbow link, simple and bright.
- Rowan: A tree name with warmth, fits any gender.
Literary and Historical Gems
Names from books and history often carry nicely:
- Juliet: Romantic and clear, familiar yet not overused.
- Atticus: Calm strength and fairness, bookish with charm.
- Eliza: Lively and classic, linked to theatre and history.
- Dorian: Artistic and cool, with a gentle sound.
England’s Most Popular Baby Names (2025)
It’s not surprising that in a multi-cultural country, the most popular boys’ name at present is Muhammed. The most popular girls’ name however is quintessentially English – Amelia.
Many other popular names are Celtic (due to Scottish, Irish, Cornish, Welsh heritage). Here are a few lovely names on the top list that we think are just beautiful!
- Noah
- Ethan
- Oscar
- Caleb
- Joshua
- Finley
- Reuben
- Gabriel
- Nathaniel
- Aaron
- Maya
- Grace
- Arabella
- Clara
Swiss People Can’t Give Children Silly Names
It’s illegal in Switzerland to name your child something silly. The laws are not that strict, but you’re not allowed to name children after designer brands or where they were conceived. You’re also not allowed to use one-letter names, nor name after bad people from the Bible!
Baby Names That Are Banned Around the World
Many other countries have laws on what you can’t call your babies:
- In Mexico, banned names include Facebook, Twitter, Harry Potter, Rambo, Burger King and Pocahontas!
- In New Zealand, banned names include Lucifer (it’s another name for Satan in the Bible).
- In Sweden, banned names include Elvis, Superman and IKEA!
- In France, banned names include Nutella (the food brand), Mini Cooper (the car) and Prince William!
- In Japan, banned names include Akuma (again, a Japanese word for the devil)
- In the USA, banned names include cyanide (?)
- In Germany, banned names include Osama Bin Laden and (understandably) Adolf Hitler.
In Denmark, things are very strict. You have to choose from 7000 names, and are not allowed to choose any others (it seems to work, as Danes are some of the happiest people one earth).
In Iceland, surnames are ‘the son or daughter’ of the first name of the parent. For example, Björk Guðmundsdóttir (the daughter of) and Magnus Magnusson (the son of). He’s probably turning in his grave at the more recent editions of Mastermind (one dumbed-one question was truthfully ‘Which pet goes woof-woof?’)
Did The Beckhams Trademark Their Babies Names?
Yes, although this was apparently a kind of protection, so that other people and companies could not trade on their names, to sell things without their permission.
We think there should be more of a fuss in the fact that Victoria Beckham’s fashion brand scores the lowest possible at Good on You (meaning it has poor animal, environmental and human rights welfare). Yet everyone lauds it?
Natural Contraception (the best safe and natural choices)
England’s teen births rate is the highest in Europe, often due to a culture more concerned with celebrity and sex, over education and making a difference.
Abortion is not the answer (on any level), what we need is to be like Scandinavian countries and remove the stigma and organised religion around ‘awkward talks’. The Nordic countries not only have the lowest rates of teen pregnancies, but the highest happiness rates.
Millions of men and women use some form of contraception to delay or avoid pregnancy. Others wish to be childfree for life. But contraceptive pills pollute the environment (changing the sex of some fish when oestrogen-rich urine is flushed away) and as a medical product, is tested on animals.
Is the world overpopulated? Yes, but it’s over-consumption that is more of an issue. One large family living on a remote Pacific island, is likely consuming less resources than the average UK or American teenager.
Many faiths (not just the Roman Catholic church) do not agree with abortion (and some contraception). So hopefully one or more of these methods will suit everyone of any belief.
No contraception is 100% effective against pregnancy or sexually-transmitted diseases (only abstinence).
Despite our sex-obsessed society, it’s quite a healthy alternative as there are lots of other interesting ways to enjoy life too!
We Need to Talk is an empowering book for girls and teens, for them to get to know their body. This is not some narcissistic book by a celebrity influencer, instead by a qualified doctor from Chicago, without media or religion (it covers same-sex relationships).
Stats show that actually those who ‘wait until the right person comes along’ tend to have happier relationships and less chance of divorce (and better sex lives) than those who don’t wait. And also don’t suffer the emotional consequences of feeling hurt or angry, when relationships don’t work out.
Women who abstain from sex until post-teen years also have less chance of sexually-transmitted diseases, that can lead to cervical cancer and infertility. Nuns have very low rates of cervical cancer.
It is very important to follow the methods correctly. Those who criticise say apps for becoming pregnant, is often due to simply not following the methods – court cases have proved this.
NHS has a suite of information on natural family planning, which should be done alongside a trained practitioner, for accuracy.
CycleBeads (used in Africa to respect beliefs)
CycleBeads were created by reproductive researchers at Georgetown University in Washington, USA. Available as beads or app-form, these tell you the days you are more likely to get pregnant. The beads are used in Africa, as they are cheap and respect religious beliefs.
Fertility awareness methods (FAM)
This is where you learn your body signals, which is a bit risky to do it yourself, but modern apps make it more accurate. They use a base of:
- Basal body temperature (BBT): your resting temperature shifts after ovulation.
- Cervical mucus: changes can signal rising fertility.
- Cycle tracking: recording days and patterns can help
Natural Cycles (created in Sweden) has over 3 million users and FDA approval, but some have criticised its subscription-based model. Like most apps, it measures basal temperature to determine ‘green and red days’ (abstain or use alternative methods when fertile). Read the FAQ for more info.
Not suitable for people already on hormonal contraception (it could affect results). A similar app is Daysy.
Lady-Comp is a German-invented fertility tracker, which again measures basal temperature. It may not work for some hormone-related medical conditions.
Period tracker apps are not ‘to prevent pregnancy’ but can help you get to know your cycle. Flo.Health is used by 77 million women, and has a team of over 100 doctors, scientists and medical experts who review all information. Clue is cleared by the FDA.
Lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM)
After birth, the body can pause ovulation when breastfeeding is frequent and consistent. LAM builds on that. It can be reliable, but only when strict conditions are met. The problem is that people hear “breastfeeding prevents pregnancy” and stop listening too early.
LAM is designed for a narrow window, and it rests on three conditions:
- Baby is under 6 months old
- Breastfeeding is exclusive or near-exclusive, including night feeds, with no long gaps
- Periods have not returned (any bleeding is a warning sign)
Once any of these changes, treat LAM as finished. A baby who sleeps longer, more formula feeds, a return to work, or a period coming back can all mean fertility is returning. Ovulation can happen before the first visible period, so waiting for bleeding can be a trap.
A hormone-free cervical cap alternative
FemCap is a reusable hormone-free alternative to the cervical cap. This has FDA approval and is available on prescription, with around 92% effectiveness.
If you need lubricants, YES! offers an organic brand free from usual nasties. Sorry if this is a bit rude, but it’s important to list the ethical alternative, to save marine creatures – yes!
We Need to Talk is an empowering book for girls and teens, for them to get to know their body. This is not some narcissistic book by a celebrity influencer, instead by a qualified doctor from Chicago, without media or religion (it covers same-sex relationships).
Eco-friendly vegan condoms
Never flush condoms down the loo, they are a common form of beach litter that also leads to blocked drains and garden floods.
Never leave condoms lying around near pets, as most contain pet-toxic zinc oxide. Also found in natural cosmetics and sunscreens (so wash off skin, before letting pets kiss you).
XO! is a vegan-friendly brand of condoms (most contain casein from milk) that are free from fragrance, and made from Regenerative Rubber Initiative, a co-operative of small agro-foresters). This brand was founded by two women of colour, who donate 5% of profits to people and planet.
Two other brands are Hanx (co-founded by a gynaecology doctor and investment banker – these are CE certified and sold in discreet letterbox friendly packaging) and Fair Squared.
Hoopsy (a plastic-free pregnancy test)
Hoopsy Pregnancy Test is a medically approved pregnancy test (99% accurate). But unlike most, this is made from 99% paper (over plastic). It can be used up to 5 days before your period is due, and is easy to write on, if you want to record the day you took the test. Contains 5 tests (also in a 10 pack and 3 pack).
The test gives results in 5 to 10 minutes (depending on how diluted urine is). And takes up less space in landfill than plastic tests, if it’s throw in the bin. So it doesn’t take decades to break down, like plastic pregnancy tests.
This test has been approved for sale in the UK and EU by the medical authorities (MHRA and CE). The test is easy to read (positive, negative or invalid – which may mean you didn’t follow the instructions).
To use, just open the test pouch and hold the end with the Hoopsy logo. Put the other end in your urine stream for 3 to 5 seconds, being careful not to pee over the MAX line! Put the test on a flat surface, with the printed side up.
Then wait 5 to 10 minutes, to read the result. Do not read the result after 10 minutes.
Struggling with Parenting? Find Local Support Networks
The media likes to portray claiming benefits as wrong. But often it’s the most vulnerable people in society who don’t claim them. New parents qualify for financial benefits, just visit the government website to find out more.
Not only do you qualify for child benefit and maternity/paternity allowances, but there is also other help available like working tax credits, financial help for disabled children (including grants for anything you need to buy).
And other help like free school meals and buses (Healthy Start Vouchers allow you to get free fresh food – alas the campaign to have the vouchers offer plant milk alongside dairy has not yet come to fruition, not good news for vegan children or those with lactose-intolerance – often ethnic minorities).
Maternity Action is a charity dedicated to protecting and enhancing the rights of all pregnant women, new mothers and their families. It offers free advice on maternity pay, welfare benefits and leave. The site runs a number of campaigns, and also has extensive advice sheets to read.
Free help for mums with mental health issues
MumsAid is a charity that offers free help for mums struggling with mental health issues. It also helps young mums struggling to cope, and mums recovering from the trauma of a difficult birth.
Up to 20% of new mums suffer from mental health issues, whether that’s post-natal depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or postpartum psychosis.
Free help for bereaved mums & dads
The Lullaby Trust offers a free helpline for new parents who have lost a baby or young child. If you have been bereaved in any way (say lost a partner or relative), you can call Cruse (trained volunteers in bereavement counselling).
NHS has tips on how to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (which is rare, the main prevention ways being placing babies on their back to sleep, avoiding second-hand smoke and avoid over-heating – including in car seats).
Remove baby hats once babies are indoors or in warmer temperatures, so heat can be released from the head.
And if you are a ‘companion animal mum’, find free bereavement support at Blue Cross and/or Paws to Listen (cats).
Free help for mums with post-natal depression
PANDAS offers free help and support to women suffering from post-natal depression, a serious condition that in some cases leads to suicide.
Trained volunteers (many working within midwifery) offer a free helpline that is open most weekdays, plus there is a bookable call service.
Post-natal depression occurs in around 10% of new mums, and can also affect new dads. The so-called ‘baby blues’ occur in most mums in the first couple of weeks, but post-natal depression can last for up to a year.
It is more common in women with mental health issues, or have gone through stressful events in life (not just childbirth).
APNI also provides phone support and welcomes volunteers (including males for dads with post-natal depression).
Free help for single parents
Gingerbread is the leading charity for single parents (including dads). The site has a wealth of information covering subjects from benefits and bereavement to domestic abuse and legal help.
And you can also use the free confidential helpline (or web chat) for anything else you need help with.
The media often portray single parents as those who do no work, have endless children and spend all day watching satellite tv.
In fact, many single parents are widowed, others are ill, and many are not claiming benefits that they are entitled to. Which would enable a better quality of life, and also the ability to study or work part-time.
If you have children with disabilities or other issues, claiming benefits also entitles you to other benefits like physical aids for the home and free transport help.
Help for domestic abuse situations
Find tech tips to keep safe online (or write down numbers to hide in a safe place, if you have no computer or phone access).
Women’s Aid is the national charity to help any woman in a domestic abuse situation, and concerned for the safety of both herself and any children.
It also offers an online Survivor’s Handbook and Flexible Funds (government money to help you transition to a new life where you are safe).
The site has a page on how to cover your tracks online if concerned. Also read up on help for domestic abuse (including for pets).
Refuge runs a free domestic abuse helpline. It also has a free chatbot and helpline for British Sign Language users. Trained advisors can help get you, children and pets to safety.
Respect runs a free helpline for male domestic abuse victims.
Support for parents (with removed children)
Pause offers free support to women who have had at least one child removed from their care. Obviously this is usually done for genuine reasons, but rather than judge, the people here aim to help you get your life back together.
Either to reunite with children later on, or move on – knowing your offspring are in safe loving homes.
Give a Book is a lovely project where mums (and dads) in prison get to read donated books to their children, either during visiting or over the phone, to help bond and provide some kind of normality.
The charity also donates ‘positive’ books for prisoners to read in cells, to help create a better mindset and life, on release.
