Welcome to The First Path Birth Companion where your experience of pregnancy and birth is honoured and met where you are. I look forward to you reaching out, even if you do not know exactly what you want yet, or how you would like your pregnancy or birth to look. Many people arrive here unsure, overwhelmed, or simply wanting to talk something through and to be heard without judgement or agenda. Our first conversations are about connection, not commitment.
At the First Path Birth Companion, working together begins with space. Space to be seen, validated and respected for who you are. Space to have your voice heard if you feel silenced. Space to be told "I see you" if the maternity care system has not seen or held you in who you are. Space to speak openly about your hopes, fears, previous experiences, questions or uncertainties. Space to explore what pregnancy and birth support could look like for you, at your pace, in a way that feels safe and respectful. Whether you are early in pregnancy, nearing birth, or navigating complex emotions around this journey, you do not have to carry it alone.
Support at The First Path Birth Companion is rooted in justice, advocacy and trauma awareness. Support that holds you as you explore what matters to you and helps you to find your power and your voice. Support that guides you in your knowledge building, informed decision making and steadfast holding of your autonomy as you navigate the maternity care that is right for you.
Within your pregnancy and birth, support should feel like being met, not managed. Reaching out does not mean you are giving anything up or handing your power over. It simply means you are choosing to be supported as you walk your own path. If you would like to explore whether The First Path Birth Companion feels like the right fit for you, I invite you to get in touch for an initial conversation. You are welcome exactly as you are. There is no pressure, no expectation, and no “right way” to begin. Sometimes the first step is simply saying hello.
Allison Tate - Birth Companion/Founder
MEET Allison...
The First Path Birth Companion
I am Allison (she/her), a birth and death companion living in Midlothian. I am mum to 3 wonderful boys and have been supporting families in birth and death since 2013, prior to which I was an Occupational Therapist for 14 years, spending over half of those years supporting families and children within the education system and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
I have personal experience of preterm birth, NICU and miscarriage and have supported many families through different birth, NICU and neonatal death experiences. I believe that birth as the first path, and death as the last path, are deeply spiritual and individual, and I am honoured to walk alongside you in your own unique journey. My support is always rooted in ritual, honouring, advocacy, human rights and trauma prevention, and I believe you have a right to feel safe, seen,validated, heard and respected, without judgement or expectation.
I have a wide range of experience supporting birth and death as both a companion and a birth assistant, and have supported people and families in different countries, healthcare systems and settings, including the USA for 8 years. I have completed (and continue to undertake) multiple training and certifications, and I am ready to show up for you, to centre you, and to hand your experience of pregnancy and birth back to you.
When I am not supporting families, you can find me enjoying life's moments in woodland, at the beach, riding horses or spending time with my boys. I look forward to being of support to you. Please show up as you are.
Grab and GO Wisdom...
Your Rights
What is Advocacy
Informed Consent & Decision Making
Stages of Labour
Hormones of Labour (FREE!!!)
Birth Partner Tips & Tricks
Breathing Strategies
Writing Your Birth Plan
Pregnancy After Loss
People say "knowledge is power" but using knowledge to make informed decisions that are right for you is where the power is found. The First Path Birth Companion "Grab and Go Wisdom" resources cover key topics that provide a foundation to navigating your pregnancy and birth experience with greater autonomy, wisdom and self power. Go grab them! The "Hormones of Labour" resource is FREE!
Baby, C
July 2025
- i am forever grateful to have my baby boy here.
"I realised very quickly that the power of my birth experience was entirely in my hands and throughout my journey I educated myself on how to truly and fully step in to my power. However, I wouldn't have been able to tap into that power without Allison.
The most remarkable thing about Allison’s support was how she stepped back to let me lead. She understood perfectly that the responsibility for the birth sat with me.
Throughout every stage of labour, Allison was a sacred space of subtle, high-impact guidance. She supported me to hold the space with such incredible focus that I never felt alone, even though we were miles apart. She provided the steady rhythm and the technical cues that kept me grounded."
The Artemis Package Testimonial
Medical Disclaimer: The information throughout this website is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your maternity care provider 2026 The First Path Birth Companion