Oldham student midwife Samantha speaks about the joys of her role

In the run-up to International Day of the Midwife this Sunday (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 across the region.

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.

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 and 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, please 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.

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