Four Mamas: The French Duo Redefining Birth Support

When French Londoners Olivia de Maigret (pictured) and Morgane Besins became mothers, they were struck by the same truth: the system was focused almost entirely on the baby, while mothers were left to patch themselves back together with minimal care or guidance.

Olivia, an osteopath specialising in women’s health, had spent over 15 years working with new and expectant mothers, building a trusted network of specialists across obstetrics, physiotherapy, and midwifery. Morgane, a former creative executive who turned projects for Netflix and Universal into impactful ventures, was used to identifying gaps in the market and turning them into meaningful solutions.

Together, they channelled their frustration — and their vision — into Four Mamas, a new model of support that puts women at the centre of the motherhood story.

“We always say ‘happy mum, happy baby,’ but so little is actually set up to make mums feel supported,” says Morgane. “After my own birth experience here in the UK, I couldn’t believe how little postpartum care existed compared to France. Everything suddenly became about the baby, while I was still healing and figuring things out.”

Olivia agrees. “I had a trusted network of colleagues I could call for support, but most women don’t have that kind of access. I wanted to create something that opened those doors, so women could feel resourced, empowered, and seen.”

A French Approach to Motherhood

Their French upbringing profoundly shaped their approach. In France, monthly blood tests, longer hospital stays, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and lactation consultant support are standard. “Support is built in,” Morgane explains.

“The UK does some things beautifully — like its pioneering birth centres — but too often women are encouraged towards natural birth without adequate preparation. What we’re trying to do is marry the best of both systems: the empowerment of choice, with the structured support that women deserve.”

“Babies need milk, sleep, and love — but mothers need all of that plus recovery, emotional care, practical help, and connection,” Olivia adds. “We wanted to create a village that provides access to all of that.”

Retreats That Put Women First

Four Mamas offers retreats tailored to each stage of the motherhood journey: fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Each day-long retreat combines multiple expert voices — obstetricians, midwives, doulas, physiotherapists, osteopaths, and nutritionists — in one nurturing space. “It’s not just about information,” Morgane says. “It’s about empowerment, connection, and confidence.”

The Birth Retreat is a full day designed to prepare mothers for labour and beyond. Practical sessions cover scenario planning for birth, pelvic floor preparation, pain management, assisted birth techniques, recovery advice, and guided breathwork.

In between, women enjoy nourishing meals, restorative wellness practices, and time to connect with others navigating similar experiences.

“We wanted to design something that feels like an exhale,” Olivia explains. “Yes, you’ll leave with practical tools and knowledge, but also with the sense that you’ve been cared for. That reminder — that mothers matter too — is essential.”

Who Attends?

The retreats attract a mix of mothers: first-time mums keen to feel prepared, women returning for second or third pregnancies, and those who’ve experienced difficult births previously and want a more empowered path.

“It’s never one type of woman,” Morgane says. “It’s anyone who wants to feel more confident, supported, and in control of their story.”

Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

Both founders are still active mothers themselves, and building Four Mamas alongside raising children is a constant balancing act. “Some days it’s messy, others it feels seamless,” Olivia says. “But mothers are capable of so much. When we put our energy into something that matters, we move mountains.”

That lived experience underpins everything the brand does. “We’re creating the thing we wished had existed for us,” Morgane adds. “And if there’s one message we want every woman to leave with, it’s this: you are not alone.”

For more information visit www.four-mamas.com

The Four Mamas Birth Retreat

A full day of antenatal guidance and wellness, curated by midwives, doulas, obstetricians, and other experts.

Expect scenario planning for a positive birth experience, pelvic floor preparation, pain management strategies, assisted birth insights, breathwork, restorative practices, and time to connect with like minded mothers-to-be.

When: Saturday 19 October, 10am–5pm

Where: 1 Hotel Mayfair, London

Price: £475 (includes five expert sessions, lunch, refreshments, and a curated gift bag).

Mother+ readers enjoy 15% off with code MP15. Spaces are limited - Book your ticket below.