IN the run up to International Day of the Midwife (May 5), both registered and student midwives from across the North West have spoken about the privileges that they personally experience delivering bundles of joy.
NHS leaders in the North West are also using the opportunity to celebrate the enormous contribution midwives make to babies and families across the country.
Lauren Caulfield is a first year Student Midwife who decided to become a midwife after the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, something that inspired her to want to support and care for parents experiencing similar trauma.
Lauren, who is undergoing her training at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and midwifery studies at the University of Manchester, said: “Becoming a midwife has been deeply fulfilling for me. I appreciate the multifaceted nature of midwifery care and the emphasis on supporting women. Despite the challenges, being able to positively impact families during such important life events is incredibly rewarding.
“My personal experiences with maternity and loss have given me a unique perspective. I understand the highs and lows of pregnancy intimately, which enables me to better support families facing similar challenges…My personal experiences allow me to connect with patients on a deeper level during emotionally challenging times. I can celebrate joyful moments and provide genuine empathy and support during difficult ones.”
Lauren says that though midwifery is not easy, it is immensely rewarding. She said, “You have the power to ensure positive outcomes and provide invaluable support, even in challenging circumstances, and draw upon your unique perspectives and experiences to guide your practice with compassion and empathy. Your work can truly make a difference in people’s lives and journeys.”
For Samantha Edwards, a second year Student Midwife, being a midwife is a privilege rather than a profession.
Samantha, who works at Royal Oldham Hospital and is undertaking her studies at Bolton University, said: “I feel being a midwife is a privilege rather than a profession. Midwifery is demanding. However, I am fulfilling my dream. Building relationships with women and their families being able to make a difference and a part of their journey is inspiring. I thoroughly enjoy empowering women and encouraging their inner goddess.”
Samantha, who has two children, previously worked in sales and recruitment before deciding to follow her dream and change career. She has a message for potential midwives: “If you are passionate, caring, women-centred and most importantly kind, then the profession needs you. I am a 32-year-old single parent, it has been challenging and demanding. However, the level of autonomy and responsibility we share as midwives is no more than you would expect in order to progress into the profession, if you want it you will do what you have to in order to achieve it.”
Gabrielle Cocking is a midwife who started off training to become a midwife at 18 and has never looked back.
Gabrielle, who is also a Senior Project Manager in NHS England’s Maternity and Neonatal Programme, said: “I absolutely love being a midwife, it is such a rewarding career that brings with it so many opportunities. I love meeting new people, working as part of a team, supporting the people I care for and the colleagues I work with. If I could go back to my 18-year-old self, there is nothing I would change, I would never stop choosing this career path.”
Jean Hayes, North West Head of Nursing, Midwifery & Public in the Workforce Training and Education Directorate at NHS England, said: “Caring for women, birthing people and supporting their families really needs a lot of dedication and compassion, something that our midwives, not just in the North West but across the NHS exhibit. International Day of the Midwife is really an opportunity to pause for a moment and really reflect on what all these wonderful staff of ours bring to their roles, their dedication and the expertise of a diverse and highly skilled group of people that really adds value to so many people and families every single day.”
For more information on becoming a midwife click here. In the North West, midwifery courses are offered at the University of Manchester, the University of Salford, the University of Bolton, the University of Central Lancashire, the University of Cumbria, Edge Hill University, Liverpool John Moore’s University and the University of Chester.
