We’re Alice and Lola, two young mums who know first-hand the joys and the challenges that motherhood brings. On the surface, people often see the smiles, the baby cuddles, and the ‘picture perfect’ moments that come with having children. But behind those moments, there is a reality that doesn’t always get spoken about enough: the exhaustion, the financial strain, the emotional ups and downs, and for some mothers, the silent battles of abuse, neglect, and isolation.
Stay With Me Foundation was born out of those lived realities out of our own challenges, our own tears, and our own determination to make sure no mother felt forgotten, overlooked, or unsupported.
The heart behind Stay With Me
As new mothers ourselves, we quickly realised something important: when a baby arrives, everyone is excited. Everyone wants to buy the tiny clothes, the toys, the cute little blankets. But the mother, the one who has carried life, gone through birth, and is now trying to heal and adjust is too often forgotten. Yet she needs love, rest, and support just as much as the child she has brought into the world.
That’s why our foundation started with simple hampers filled with necessities for both mother and baby: things that bring ease, dignity, and a reminder that someone cares. Every hamper we give out is more than just practical items. It’s a message: “You are seen. You are valued. You are not alone.”
From there, we expanded to providing free breast pumps to new mothers. Something so basic can transform a mum’s ability to feed her baby, rest properly, and protect her own health. For us, it’s never just about ticking boxes. It’s about giving mothers tools that really matter in their everyday lives.
Supporting women beyond hampers
We also knew that practical support wasn’t enough. Some women face overwhelming situations behind closed doors: emotional abuse, domestic violence, or simply the crushing weight of trying to do it all with very little. Parenthood is supposed to be the happiest time of life, but sometimes it’s one of the hardest.
That’s why Stay With Me has grown to include more than just physical help. We connect women with the right services in their local areas, signposting them to counselling, safeguarding teams, or domestic abuse organisations. We make sure that when a mother reaches out, she isn’t left to navigate the system alone.
For us, it’s not just about saving lives in an emergency. It’s about protecting the dignity of mothers day by day, helping them stand a little taller, and reminding them that their voice matters.
Supporting the next generation of midwives
As student midwives ourselves, we know the journey to becoming a midwife is tough. It demands emotional strength, long hours, and academic commitment, all while many of us juggle family responsibilities. And for those in low-income backgrounds, or in countries where resources are scarce, the barriers can feel almost impossible.
Through Stay With Me, we are committed to supporting aspiring midwives from all over the world. If we can provide uniforms, textbooks, or even basic equipment, we can make the difference between someone giving up and someone stepping into their calling. Because midwifery isn’t just a career. It’s a vocation, a gift, and a vital part of ensuring safe, compassionate care for mothers and babies everywhere.
Why this matters to us
We are both young mums. We are both women of colour. We are both students navigating our own challenges while trying to raise our children. But instead of letting our struggles silence us, we’ve chosen to let them shape us to turn pain into purpose.
Stay With Me Foundation is not just a charity. It is our way of standing beside women who might otherwise feel invisible. It’s a reminder that community matters, that small acts of kindness matter, and that every mother deserves dignity, support, and hope.
We believe in creating a culture where mothers are celebrated just as much as their babies. Where women experiencing abuse are not shamed into silence. Where aspiring midwives are equipped to rise into the calling they’ve been given.
We are Alice and Lola, and this is our story. But more than that, this is a movement a movement for mothers, by mothers, and with mothers.
Because every mum deserves someone to stay with her.
Alice and Lola are their first-ever Brushes & Discussions event on Saturday 4 October, an exciting blend of sip and paint creativity to give people a space where they don’t have to look like they’ve just come off a messy 12-hour shift, but can laugh, enjoy themselves, and leave feeling inspired. We’re honoured to welcome Elizabeth Idowu as one of our guest speakers, and all proceeds will go to GOSH SCUBU. You can find out more here.
