iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Prison Radio Association @prisonradiouk.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

LOLLIPOP is now available on BBC iPlayer. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it is another must-watch masterpiece from @dsyhdsn - a truly accurate and powerful portrayal of what it’s like to leave prison and start again 🍭 P.S. Bonus points if you spot @UnchainedP 👀

011

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Chloe Driver @chloedriver.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

TONIGHT🌟 BBC2 &BBC iPlayer at 11pm 📺Lollipop 🍭 Directed by the incredible Daisy-May Hudson OUR LEAD HAS BEEN NOMINATED AS A BAFTA EE RISING STAR! 🤩 Please vote for Posy Sterling - here - www.eebafta-risingstarvote.co.uk Also, catch me in a small role as Nina 🙋🏻‍♀️ #lollipop #bafta #bbc #film #actress

022

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

NIHR Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) @nihrarcs.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

#ARCadvent day 1️⃣6️⃣: A theatre production based on the @arceastofengland.bsky.social Lost Mothers project has been shedding light on the experiences of imprisoned women who are mandatorily separated from their babies arc-eoe.nihr.ac.uk/news-blogs/n... @lostmothers.bsky.social @herts.ac.uk

NIHR National Institute for Health and Care Research. #ARCadvent Top ARC stories of the year. Day 16: Play explores the impact of enforced separation between mothers & newborn babies in UK prisons. Picture: Black and white photograph of a pregnant woman cradling her bump.

063

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

We're all over the moon about #LostMothers win at last night's @cjalliance.bsky.social awards! Driven throughout by women with experience of maternal imprisonment & separation, this research really was ground-breaking. What a privilege to be involved. @midwifeteacher.bsky.social@cleanbrk.bsky.social

153

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

✍️ In our latest blog, Professor Laura Abbott writes about her impactful research into maternal care in prison, that helped inform landmark sentencing reform earlier this year. 🔗 bit.ly/435MAcb @midwifeteacher.bsky.social @herts.ac.uk

University of Hertfordshire's and a quote from her reading: “At a policy level, the project’s evidence has fed directly into reform. In April 2025, the Sentencing Council for England and Wales introduced landmark guidance explicitly recognising pregnancy and the postnatal period as mitigating factors in sentencing decisions. This change, supported by data from our research...and sustained engagement with the Sentencing Council, represents a significant policy milestone.”

032

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

NIHR ARC East of England @arceastofengland.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

We're excited to share the @arceastofengland.bsky.social Impact Summary 2025! This year, we have: 💡£16.5M in external funding 🫂Established a new carer #research network 🧩Worked with 200+ organisations Read how we’re driving change here🔗 arc-eoe.nihr.ac.uk/news-blogs/n... #CelebratingARCEoEImpact

033

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

NIHR Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) @nihrarcs.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Watch @arceastofengland.bsky.social @midwifeteacher.bsky.social Dr Laura Abbott's talk in the recording of this year's national #ARCseminar webinar: 'Exploring lived experience with creative arts' 👁️🔊▶️ arc-gm.nihr.ac.uk/news/news/NE... 💙 chaired by @arc-gm.bsky.social

012

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

Delighted that our @herts.ac.uk #ESRC @arceastofengland.bsky.social @birthcompanions.bsky.social @lostmothers.bsky.social Lost Mothers Project has been shortlisted for the 2025 Criminal Justice Alliance Award 4 Research Excellence ❤️🎉 recognising our work on separation of mothers & babies in prison

060

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Dr Laura Abbott (University of Hertfordshire) has been nominated for Research & Innovation Impact at the #AllianceAwards2025! Her research on maternal justice has led to policy change, including pregnancy being recognised as a mitigating factor in sentencing. 🔗 buff.ly/Z5ooUgF

031

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

Thrilled to share that I’ve been promoted to Professor of Maternal Health and Criminal Justice at Uni of Hertfordshire - It’s a milestone that reflects not just my work, but the power of collaboration, listening to women, and pushing for change where it’s most needed 💜 @birthcompanions.bsky.social

2120

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

On 16th July @cleanbrk.bsky.social Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti’s brilliant ‘Scenes from Lost Mothers’ will be performed in Heslington. Generously funded by Y&S Hospitals Charity - tickets are free but going fast! See details here and please do share! @herts.ac.uk @rcm.org.uk @birthcompanions.bsky.social

eventbrite.com

Scenes from Lost Mothers

Scenes from Lost Mothers shines a light on the real experiences of pregnant women and mothers in prison.

042

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

eventbrite.com

Scenes from Lost Mothers

Scenes from Lost Mothers shines a light on the real experiences of pregnant women and mothers in prison.

042

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

NIHR Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) @nihrarcs.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

2025's second #ARCseminar - chaired by @arc-gm.bsky.social - is at 1pm TODAY! Exploring lived experience with creative arts www.eventbrite.com/cc/nihr-arcs... @ucl.ac.uk @midwifeteacher.bsky.social @arceastofengland.bsky.social @cleanbrk.bsky.social @birthcompanions.bsky.social @arc-em.bsky.social

NIHR National Institute for Health and Care Research #ARCseminar
Image: Close-up picture of a paintbrush painting bright watercolours

075

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

We are delighted to see explicit recognition of the harms of prison for pregnant women and new mothers in today's Sentencing Review, with clear alternatives inc. suspended and deferred sentencing and increased community support set out. Our full response: www.birthcompanions.org.uk/articles/res...

birthcompanions.org.uk

Pregnant women and new mothers offered more flexible sentencing options in today’s Sentencing Review

184

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Clean Break Theatre Company @cleanbrk.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Last week the final report from the Lost Mothers project was published, a ground-breaking piece of research from @herts.ac.uk and @birthcompanions.bsky.social. Read @midwifeteacher.bsky.social's summary of the project's heart-breaking, yet galvanising findings: bit.ly/CBDrLauraAbb...

053

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Maternity and Midwifery Forum @midwiferyforum.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

What happens when motherhood begins behind bars? Join Dr Laura Abbott on Maternity & Midwifery Hour as we explore pregnancy in criminal justice settings. 14 May | 7PM UK Register for free: shorturl.at/hJNz2 #MidwiferyHour #Matflix #PregnancyBehindBars #CPD

032

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

On Thursday we launched the Lost Mothers Project findings @birthcompanions.bsky.social @britishlibrary.bsky.social Powerful performances from @cleanbrk.bsky.social, art by Beci Ward. Experiences shared reveal a depth of unimaginable pain - ‘…my whole body craved him’ Time 4 change is now.

birthcompanions.org.uk

The Lost Mothers Project

Focusing on the needs and experiences of women who are separated from their infants due to imprisonment

1113

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Dr Jenny Hall @drjennyhall-5.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

It was a privilege to have been here & see ‘Scenes from lost mothers’ from @cleanbrk.bsky.social I left emotional & angry that in our society we are so inhumane how we treat women & children.1/2

131

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Dr Jenny Hall @drjennyhall-5.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Looking forward to being at this today

023

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

elizabethduff2.bsky.social @elizabethduff2.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

It’s an extraordinary & moving event, mixing research evidence, lived experience in drama form & panel discussion among expert & informed people. Clear & doable policy asks are in the report: just do it @yvettecooper-mp.bsky.social

122

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Our team are looking forward to launching the findings of our Lost Mothers project today at The British Library @birthcompanions.bsky.social Featuring the excellent Scenes from Lost Mothers by @cleanbrk.bsky.social @herts.ac.uk #ESRC @nihrarcs.bsky.social

070

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Louca-Mai Brady @louca-mai.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Brilliant to see my @herts.ac.uk colleague @midwifeteacher.bsky.social's co-produced #LostMothers research featured in the Grauniad 👏👏

022

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Shona Minson @shonaminson.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Powerful piece on the separation of babies from their mothers in prison based on the ‘Lost Mothers’ research led by @midwifeteacher.bsky.social If more evidence was needed to persuade anyone that pregnant women should not be imprisoned, this is it. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

theguardian.com

‘The pain was worse than giving birth’: why are so many women separated from their babies in prison?

First they had to give birth in custody, then their babies were taken away. Sometimes they never got them back. Here’s what 29 women told the Lost Mothers Project

045

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Katie Snow @katiesnow.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

Fascinating (& horrifying) to read about @midwifeteacher.bsky.social's Lost Mothers Project today. I've been thinking a lot recently about how we represent & experience breastfeeding & milk production (or suppression) within prisons & other systems of oppression. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

theguardian.com

‘The pain was worse than giving birth’: why are so many women separated from their babies in prison?

First they had to give birth in custody, then their babies were taken away. Sometimes they never got them back. Here’s what 29 women told the Lost Mothers Project

011

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Mental Health in Development @mhid.org.uk · 06/05/2025

Interesting article about the Lost Mothers Project from @midwifeteacher.bsky.social who recently met with @academichv.bsky.social for one of our Supporting Early Minds webinars www.msn.com/en-gb/news/u...

msn.com

MSN

012

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

@rcm.org.uk looking forward to talking about The Lost Mothers project today at conference and why we need an alternative to imprisonment for pregnant women and new Mums #rcmconf25

1101

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

It was brilliant to champion disabled women in Parliament today with @marietidball.bsky.social working to secure safe, high-quality, inclusive maternity care. Disabled mothers must be central to improving care, and I’m so pleased to be involved in this campaign with so many other incredible women.

011

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

We are among the many charities that have co-signed this letter to the Lord Chancellor. Blocking the Sentencing Council's guidelines on pre-sentence reports means putting more pregnant women, new mothers and babies in prison, and at risk of significant harm. www.theguardian.com/law/2025/apr...

theguardian.com

Shabana Mahmood warned of risk to pregnant women in halting Sentencing Council guidelines

Exclusive: Stopping pre-sentencing reports could put more pregnant people behind bars, groups tell justice minister

023

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

One week left to apply for our July 2025 volunteer training programme!

011

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

Please share 🥰 📣Clean Break have extended their national tour of Scenes from Lost Mothers! 📣 You now have until the end of July to book a performance for your educational institution, workplace, training, seminar or conference. Find out more: www.cleanbreak.org.uk/productions/...

cleanbreak.org.uk

Scenes from Lost Mothers

Scenes from Lost Mothers shines a light on the real experiences of women navigating pregnancy and separation from their babies while in prison.

043

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

cleanbreak.org.uk

Scenes from Lost Mothers

Scenes from Lost Mothers shines a light on the real experiences of women navigating pregnancy and separation from their babies while in prison.

043

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Every Easter I think of women in prison, locked in for long periods of time over 4 days. For pregnant women & new mothers, the isolation is brutal. Our Lost Mothers research makes it clear: we must stop sending pregnant women to prison. @birthcompanions.bsky.social @cleanbrk.bsky.social

0145

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Louca-Mai Brady @louca-mai.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Emotions in #PublicInvolvement. Recording of the second in the @nihrarcs.bsky.social #PPI webinar series with colleagues from @arceastofengland.bsky.social @arc-southlondon.bsky.social @penarc.bsky.social

054

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Janey Starling @janeystarling.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

A moving letter from a criminal defence solicitor representing a young mother of an infant, who explains the human cost of losing the new sentencing guideline. “The justice secretary’s political point-scoring has devastating consequences” @hodgejonesallen.bsky.social

063

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 09/04/2025

Supporting pregnant women and mothers of young children under probation supervision. Webinar by @birthcompanions.bsky.social and @advancecharity.bsky.social 20 May 11.30-12.30 events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a8fc78...

events.teams.microsoft.com

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

012

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

‘you cannot hang up motherhood as if it were a coat’- is an embodied part of a mother’s identity. @shonaminson.bsky.social considers motherhood & the impact of imprisonment in this brilliant essay. Well worth a listen.

140

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

🧵 "...This delay means that sentencers may not fully and adequately consider the significant risks that custodial sentences pose to the health and wellbeing of both mother and child; risks that have resulted in the deaths of several babies in the prison estate."

111

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

Our Director Naomi Delap responds to Imposition Guideline delay: "We are disappointed that the Sentencing Council has has had to delay this coming into force. This updated guideline included specific and extensive direction on sentencing pregnant women and mothers of very young children...🧵

112

Professor Laura Abbott @midwifeteacher.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Being in a sold-out theatre watching #ScenesfromLostMothers has been incredible. 2 see shifts in public opinion was what we hoped for. We can & will stop sending pregnant women to prison. Thanks 2 amazing @cleanbrk.bsky.social cast & team ❤️ @herts.ac.uk @rcm.org.uk @birthcompanions.bsky.social

083

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Agenda Alliance @agenda-alliance.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

It was great to join Level Up and @cleanbrk.bsky.social this morning at the annual No Births Behind Bars protest outside the MoJ! We are closer than ever before to putting an end to imprisoning pregnant women, whether sentenced or remanded - it's in the guidelines, now let's make it a statute. ✊

022

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Janey Starling @janeystarling.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

ADORABLE No Births Behind Bars protest outside the MOJ to demand an end to imprisonment of pregnant women and mothers. Grumpy babies say NO MORE!

062

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 23/03/2025

Just Stop Oil protester, 78, returned to jail as no tag fitted her, on her life inside Gaie Delap on the shocking failures in healthcare and support she saw in jail, and how she coped with being there www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

Just Stop Oil protester, 78, returned to jail as no tag fitted her, on her life inside

Gaie Delap on the shocking failures in healthcare and support she saw, and how she got through the experience

012

Reposted by Professor Laura Abbott

Prison Radio Association @prisonradiouk.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

“We don’t have a criminal justice system that’s designed for women.” - Kate Fraser, Head of Practice at Women In Prison on the Life After Prison sofa 🛋️ Check out the full interview: open.spotify.com/episode/5gPV... #womeninprison #podcast

021