"A midwife going above and beyond"

As a new mum, who has suffered with mental health issues for her whole life, I felt very nervous of pregnancy and birth. I was apprehensive about everything that I had to go through and uneducated on pregnancy and birth as a whole.

My designated midwife was Rosie at Wadebridge and I wanted to formally write some feedback to celebrate the support I received during my time under her care.

From the very first meeting, Rosie treated me and my husband with so much compassion and empathy. She explained everything we would go through and offered reassurance and support every step of the way.  

My daughter is a calm and peaceful baby, and I genuinely believe that is because I managed to have such a calm and peaceful pregnancy. Despite being extremely sick and poorly, I somehow felt in control and calm about everything I was going through. I know that Rosie is a significant part of that. Her reassurance, honesty, support and care allowed me to be vulnerable when I needed to be., but gave me the confidence in my body and my experience to allow me to take it all in my stride. 

My husband struggled on the run up to our birth, and Rosie made it a priority to check up on us and ensure we were doing ok. I never felt rushed, or like 1 of 100 women. I felt like Rosie's number 1 priority during every appointment. She remembered the things we had spoken about, she checked up on me, she reassured me and she had confidence in me. She never rushed me (even when I talked and talked and talked) and I never for a second felt like part of a system as so many other mums have told me they felt.

When we wrote our birth plan, Rosie spent hours with us to answer all of our silly questions and ensure we felt confident in the plan we made. And when the time came for an induction, Rosie explained everything with complete honesty. She knew it wasn't our preference but her confidence in me/us was empowering and I went into my labour feeling prepared and informed. 

Rosie conducted multiple stretch and sweeps before my daughter arrived, and she was so kind, calm, considerate and respectful at every stage of the process. Whilst they were uncomfortable, I felt safe and cared for.

After birth Rosie was even more supportive and offered support and compassion as I went through the labour and post partum experience in detail. She regularly checked in with me to make sure I was ok, and put me in touch with various teams to ensure I was getting the right support I needed.

I don't know how I would have coped without Rosie during those weeks after birth and I'm so grateful for everything she did for me. I never felt like Rosie's job, but I felt cared for, safe and supported in her care. 

I will never forget her kindness during one of the hardest times of my life. She truly is a special person and I'll forever be grateful for the part she has played in mine and my daughters life-story.