Advocating for Motherless Mothers: Raising Awareness, Changing Systems

Giving A Voice to Motherless Mothers

For many, becoming a mother without the support of your own mum brings a unique kind of grief, vulnerability, and strength. Yet, the experiences of motherless mothers are too often invisible in health care, policy, and public understanding.

At The Motherless Mothers, we advocate for change in the NHS, in policy, and in how society supports women navigating motherhood without a mother.

Why It Matters

Motherless mothers are more likely to face:

• Increased emotional and mental health challenges during pregnancy and early parenthood

• Gaps in informal support networks

• Missed opportunities for compassionate care in clinical settings

Despite this, there is little data or policy that recognises them as a group with distinct needs.

What We Do

Influence Care

We work with NHS professionals and healthcare providers to ensure that maternity and mental health services are better equipped to recognise and support motherless mothers, from antenatal appointments to postnatal mental health care.

Shape Policy

We engage with policymakers to highlight the emotional, social, and health impacts of mother loss in motherhood, campaigning for systemic changes that centre empathy and equity.

Drive Research & Data

We contribute to research that builds the evidence base around motherless motherhood. Through surveys, lived experience insights, and collaboration with academics, we’re helping define the scale and impact of this often-overlooked issue.

Raise Awareness

We share stories, speak at events, and run campaigns to make sure the voices of motherless mothers are heard, not only by professionals, but by society at large.

Our Approach

• Lived experience-led – Everything we do is informed by the real stories of women in our community.

• Collaborative – We work alongside the NHS, researchers, and other organisations to create lasting change.

• Evidence-based – Our advocacy is grounded in data and research, as well as deep empathy.

We’re working towards a future where no motherless mother feels unseen or unsupported — in policy, in healthcare, or in life.