"You never forget the first day you help a woman bring a new life into the world!"

After graduating with a midwifery degree from the University of Huddersfield in 2015, I moved to London to begin my career at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a Preceptorship Midwife. Following the completion of the Preceptorship programme, I joined Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, where I gained valuable experience as a Caseloading Midwife. I have since returned to Yorkshire and now lead a Community Midwifery Team at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust.

Working across various hospitals in different midwifery roles has strengthened my clinical skills and deepened my understanding of maternity care. I feel incredibly fortunate for the diverse opportunities I have had, each of which has contributed to my growth as a midwife and now midwifery leader.

Never in my early career did I imagine I would be leading a team in a midwifery management role, and I am proud of how far I have come in my professional journey! 

As a Community Midwifery Team Leader, no weeks is the same. My days range from supporting staff through regular check-ins and caseload reviews, to attending safeguarding meetings, and stepping in to provide hands-on clinical care for women and babies when needed. I enjoy the variety this role offers, it keeps me engaged, makes me adaptable, and constantly learning! In this most recent role, I find real fulfilment in the leadership aspect of my role, particularly in mentoring and empowering midwives to deliver the best possible care to women, birthing individuals and their families!

I am part of a social netball team, playing once or twice a week, which keeps me active and healthy. I also practice yoga regularly, especially after a long day at work, as it helps clear my mind and unwind. Recently, I have also taken up boxing, which I am really enjoying!

Since completing my midwifery degree, I have undertaken several continuous professional development courses to further my career. I completed a mentorship course, which enables me to teach student midwives during their training. I also earned a PG Cert in Perinatal Mental Health, which allows me to support women with their mental health during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Most recently, I completed a Professional Midwifery Advocate course, which empowers me to support staff through a continuous improvement process that enhances personal and professional resilience, quality of care, and professional revalidation.

As a midwife, key qualities such as patience, compassion, strong communication skills, and a deep commitment to the role are essential. It is also important to recognize that being a midwife can, at times, challenge your own emotional and mental resilience.

One valuable piece of advice I received early in my career was to "always care for someone as if they were your mother or sister"—providing the best care possible and greeting each person with a warm smile. It is a reminder that everyone will remember how you made them feel during this significant time in their lives.