REAL LIFE STORIES
Meet the mums we support and read their stories
WHO WE ARE
Meet the mums we support and read their stories
The news of a pregnancy or a recent birth is an exciting time for all prospective and existing parents. It can, however, be cruelly interrupted by the news of a cancer diagnosis and the worry that this brings to both you and your wider family.
Mummy’s Star has been set up specifically to offer support if you find yourself in this situation and we hope that by providing comprehensive information and links in this section, it will help you to get the support you need, access services that are available to you but most importantly know that you are not alone when you are going through this.
The information contained here is reviewed on an ongoing basis and will also be added to as new information becomes known about cancer in pregnancy. Likewise, as we receive more enquiries, we will add to the FAQs section in order to be able to try and answer as many of your questions in one place as possible.
Please contact us here and we can discuss more specifically how we can support you and your family.
REAL LIFE STORIES
Meet the mums we support and read their stories
WHO WE ARE
Meet the mums we support and read their stories
PREGNANCY | BIRTH | LOSS | BEYOND
CANCER SUPPORT IN & AROUND
Emotional Support
Support we can offer you:
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A dedicated Information and Support Worker who will check in regularly, be available for chats, questions and conversation and who can help with practical support such as signposting and grants
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Connect you to our 24hr peer support Forum which is full of other women and folks who are going through their own cancer and pregnancy experience.
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Signpost and refer you to other relevant support organisations such as grant giving trusts and mental health provider
Please note: we are not a counselling service or a crisis support service, and the Forum is monitored by Mummy's Star staff Mon-Fri between 9am-5pm
Information and Support Workers
Our ISWs are matched one-to-one with mums and birthing parents experiencing cancer in or around pregnancy. They will remain in contact as long as you wish, using whichever method of communication you prefer (email, text, phone call etc.) and are there to listen and to give information on the challenges and possibilities you are facing.
All our ISWs have either worked in cancer and/or maternity services, and many have experienced cancer in or around pregnancy themselves. This gives them a unique and informed understanding of what you might be going through and ensures they can be both sensitive and pragmatic in their support.
As well as being a friendly voice and a listening ear, your ISW will also help you access further parts of our support services and can help you to find and access support from other providers too.
How often you speak to your ISW and how much your share with them is
entirely up to you; they will build the support relationship to suit your
preferences and needs.
Peer Support Forum
We host a private, closed Facebook group for women and birthing parents who have had or are currently experiencing cancer in or around pregnancy.
The Forum is a mutually supportive peer resource that some users have described as their ‘Mummy’s Star Family’. The Forum is a place to find connection, understanding, and to share experiences.
Anyone who is eligible for our support can join the forum at any point and you do not have to be speaking to an ISW to access it. If you are unsure about using Facebook, would prefer to use an anonymised profile, or need help navigating the Forum safely don’t hesitate to ask us.
The Forum is monitored by our Support Workers during office hours; outside of these hours it is peer-led.
“I feel like I have a friend who understands what I am going through, someone who can provide positivity and support. Just to know someone is checking in on me is a lovely feeling.”
Signposting and Referrals
Each individual and family will have its own unique set of circumstances
and support needs. A Mummy’s Star ISW can signpost you towards other
organisations whose support will compliment our own.
We host a comprehensive list of additional organisations that everyone can access, but some require referrals or are specific to a geographical location. Your ISW can help you to draw up a list, make referrals and send out applications to those that suit you best.
“Reading peoples positive stories often gave me a little hope boost at tough times.”
“My Support Worker has gone above and beyond with emails and phone calls to stay in touch, check in and more. She has been the key to unlocking so much information and support I could access for my family and I. She has been incredible and has helped me in not having a mental breakdown this past year, honestly.
I owe her a lot.”
Family Support
You might be wondering what kind of support is available for your family, specifically your partner and child(ren).
Mummy’s Star offers specific support to partners of mums or birthing parents with cancer and you can find out more about it here. We also have some tips and suggested reading/resources to help make talking to your child(ren) about your cancer easier.
Crisis Support Services
We are not a counselling service or crisis support service.
If you are in immediate danger or require immediate assistance please contact one of the following:
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If you are in immediate danger: DIAL 999
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Emergency Mental Health Line: 111, Choose Option 2
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Samaritans 24hr Helpline: 116 123
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Shout Crisis Text Line: text 'SHOUT' to 85258
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24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
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Childline: 0800 1111 7.30am-3.30am
Related Articles
Self-refer to Mummy's Star
Pregnancy Fears
After Diagnosis FAQ
Cancer Treatment While Pregnant FAQ
During Treatment FAQ
Cancer and Breastfeeding
Explaining Cancer To Your Child
