Tributes paid to charity founder and maternity campaigner

Tributes have been paid to a tireless campaigner who dedicated her life to improving maternity care from Dorset.

In a statement, Maddie’s Miracle Dorset said: “With consideration to Maddie’s vast scope of work over many decades, from direct support of individuals to her writing or advocacy impacting multitudes, it is not unreasonable to say that Maddie has likely impacted every single mother, parent and family in the UK.

“It is with profound sadness that Maddie’s Miracle Dorset announces the passing of its founder, Maddie McMahon, a tireless advocate for mothers, babies, families, and maternity professionals whose work transformed the lives of thousands of individuals across Dorset and throughout the United Kingdom.”

Maddie founded Maddie’s Miracle Dorset, worked with Maddie’s Miracle and was widely respected across the maternity, infant feeding and doula sectors.

She established Developing Doulas, a programme to train and mentor birth professionals, and co-founded the Cambridge Breastfeeding Alliance and March with Midwives.

Maddie also served on the editorial board of Practising Midwife Magazine and played a key role in building collaboration between doulas and breastfeeding counsellors.

Her work with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers helped create shared training opportunities, ensuring families received more integrated and consistent care.

Known for her warmth, generosity, and dedication, Maddie was praised for empowering parents, mentoring professionals, and challenging health inequalities.

A trustee of Maddie’s Miracle Dorset said: “Maddie believed that every mother, baby and parent deserved compassionate, evidence-based support throughout their journey from pregnancy to the postnatal period.

“We will continue to champion Maddie’s vision of ensuring every family is supported through the antenatal and perinatal stages, with particular emphasis on access to professional breastfeeding support.

“Her passion, determination and commitment to families have shaped our organisation, and we are committed to carrying that legacy forward for the communities we serve.