Midwives and maternity colleagues across University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundations Trust (UHMBT) are celebrating International Day of the Midwife (IDM).
This year, the theme is ‘Midwives with women: celebrate, demonstrate, mobilise, unite – our time is NOW!’ which encourages midwives and the women they care for to really get to know each other and build strong, trusting and reciprocal relationships.
Jennifer Stephenson, a UHMBT Midwife and chairperson of the local Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Lancaster Branch, said: “International Day of the Midwife is so important as it recognises the great work of midwives, not just in hospitals here in the UK but across the community, the country and the world.
“Midwives work across social, political and cultural boundaries. We support women from all backgrounds at an incredibly vulnerable time in their lives. IDM gives us the opportunity to raise the profile of midwives and highlight the essential care we provide.
“In previous years we have held displays and special events to mark IDM and, although things are very different this year, midwives, more than ever, deserve appreciation and recognition for their incredible team work and innovative working.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses and local people that continue to support midwives and the RCM Lancaster Branch with their kind donations.”
There are 198 midwives employed by UHMBT who work in the maternity units at Westmorland General Hospital, Furness General Hospital, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, and across the Morecambe Bay community.
Jane Tomlinson-Wightman, Lead Midwife for Safe Active Birth, UHMBT, said: “I became a midwife at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary in 2004. The thing I love most about being a Midwife is being in the privileged position to be part of a family’s most memorable, vulnerable and magical time of their lives.”
Michelle Littlejohn, Health and Wellbeing Midwife, UHMBT, said: “I have been a midwife for 18 years. Public health has been the focus of my career for just over six years, and I am dedicated to working with local women and families to help improve their overall health and wellbeing, reduce health inequalities, and support all babies to have the best possible start in life.”
Karen Bridgeman, Digital Midwife, UHMBT, said: “Nothing can ever beat the feeling of being present at a birth. To watch a new person being born, and new parents, siblings and grandparents being born too, is a moment I think all midwives feel privileged to be present for. I hope that midwifery roles continue to be the respected roles that they deserve to be.”
The Trust often receives comments and feedback from women and their families praising the excellent care they received from midwives across Morecambe Bay. Here are just a few examples:
“I just wanted to thank you for being there for my daughter. You went above and beyond and were there for her throughout the labour, staying with her despite it running over your shift and with the anesthetist so thank you!!! She couldn’t remember your name but I just want you to know we all so grateful. Ava-Rose is doing great and although I haven’t met her yet I wanted to take the time to praise you for your time with my daughter. Thank you so so much.”
“Thank you for the bottom of my heart for helping me to deliver my beautiful baby girl safely, and for the care we received afterwards. The time we spent in your care was so valuable. From supporting my birth plan and antenatal care, the tea and toast after I'd given birth, to helping me breast feed so I can sustain my baby while we're in isolation. It was terrifying to leave hospital in the midst of a pandemic, but I know you're only a phone call away. Thank you so much for all you are doing.”
“I was so worried and full of anxiety our whole birthing experience wouldn’t be as it should be! I went in on the Wednesday to be induced and from the get go all the Midwives made us feel at ease showing us to our room. They were fantastic with my husband too. All my anxiety for nothing! Fantastic birthing experience during this difficult time! The staff are a credit to the Trust!”
You can send your own message of thanks, encouragement and support to one of UHMBT’s midwives at: https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/get-in-touch/saying-thank-you
International Day of the Midwife is promoted by the International Confederation of Midwives and is celebrated across the world on 5 May. Get more information at: internationalmidwives.org.
Sue Smith OBE, Executive Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive, UHMBT, said: “Our midwives are a fundamental part of our UHMBT team. The service they provide to women and families at what is the most exciting and often anxious time of their lives is invaluable, and they should be celebrated on this day and every other day!”