Midwives in Bradford have launched an urgent appeal to ensure new mothers and their babies have access to essential extra care items. The 'maternity care' cupboard, located in the Women's and Newborn Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary, provides toiletries, baby blankets, and wipes. It was established in 2023 by Sophie Wainman and Kate Hurley after a woman arrived to give birth with absolutely nothing.
Sophie said: "We opened the cupboard in 2023 after a woman arrived at maternity in labour, who had absolutely nothing. We had nothing to provide her with and we thought this wasn't right, so we appealed to colleagues to bring items in, like a deodorant or shampoo, and it just snowballed from there."
Vital Support for Families
The initiative aims to preserve dignity and hygiene for families who may be struggling. The cupboard is run solely on donations from NHS staff and the local community, providing everything from toothbrushes and bodywash to breast pumps and hand-knitted blankets.
Sophie continued: "The cupboard is free at the point of access, just like the NHS. If someone is in need and they haven't got essential baby and care items, then we just come to the cupboard and get it. It's not just for the post-natal wards but is for the whole unit and wider community, so if any area needs something for one of their women or babies, they can come and get it. It could be for one thing or it could be for 10 things. It is for everyone in need."
Community Support and Fundraising
Donations often come from former patients who want to give something back to the unit. While the team holds internal fundraisers twice a year, demand often outweighs supply. Sophie added: "We also try to do internal fundraisers twice a year if we can. We had a raffle last year where we had a pair of flights donated which were won by a colleague. It all keeps the cupboard full but a few weeks ago our cupboard was bare, as demand goes in peaks and troughs."
"It's mainly the kindness of staff that keeps it going but our patients are brilliant too and last month we received a donation of several readymade care packages, in individual bags including hairbrushes, breast pumps and essential toiletries from a grateful mum whose baby had been born here. We were delighted as we know these gifts will go to a good home so any donation, however big or small, is very welcome and will be well used."
If you would like to donate items to the maternity store cupboard, please contact sophie.wainman@bthft.nhs.uk. The location is Bradford in West Yorkshire.
