Things that expectant parents take for granted are out of reach for those seeking asylum and living in temporary accommodation

My husband and I are seeking asylum in the UK; we have three children, including a three-month-old baby. We have been living in hotel accommodation for over two years waiting for our claim to be processed. During my last pregnancy I was anaemic – I regularly felt weak and nauseous, and didn’t like to leave the hotel room as I fainted in the street twice. It was really difficult to give my body the nutrition it needed because I’m unable to get fresh healthy foods through the hotel. The foodbank gave me things I have to cook and I don’t have access to a kitchen.

In my appointment with the midwife I had a translator, so I was able to tell her I was stressed and weak, and unable to eat a healthy diet. She gave me vitamins and said my situation will be temporary, and that once the baby is born we will be moved to more suitable accommodation. We are still being told three months after the birth that we must continue to wait as there is no housing for us.

My midwife referred me to the charity Newham Nurture, which called me with an interpreter and asked me to visit so they can understand about my situation. I attended their pregnancy classes and received travel money, fresh fruit and a healthy lunch when I attended, which was very good.

Support after birth

At the hotel after the birth, I started to feel unwell with a fever. When I went to A&E I was checked, but they said there was nothing wrong and sent me back home. I felt frustrated and not listened to. My symptoms worsened and I went back to A&E – after an assessment by a doctor they realised that there was placenta remaining that needed to be removed.

I continue to breastfeed my baby, which I’m grateful for as it would be difficult to afford and prepare formula and sterilise the bottles in the hotel room. But soon I will need to make healthy food for my baby, which will be difficult.

Our room doesn’t have space for a cot bed or a baby bouncer on the floor, or even space for our baby to crawl. But we have a healthy baby, and we are grateful for this. Newham Nurture has helped us with things for the baby, and the staff are kind and encouraging.

MORE INFO 

To find out more about Newham Nurture

Watch RCM’s ‘Pregnant in exile: asylum seeking women’s experiences of maternity care