Title: LMNS Ask A Midwife - Hull, and Community Midwife

Qualifications: Registered Midwife, Safeguarding Supervisor, Student Practice Assessor

Career timeline: I started my midwifery training in 2011, qualifying in 2014. Since then, I have worked primarily as a community midwife, with time working rotationally and within a Continuity of Care team. In addition to this I also did a secondment within the children's safeguarding team in 2019, developing my knowledge and confidence of multidisciplinary working with social care, and supporting colleagues with their safeguarding queries and concerns. Most recently I have joined the LMNS as part of the Ask A Midwife project. This is a form of digital support for pregnant women and their families, answering non-urgent queries and signposting to relevant support and services. We also disseminate public health information through social media posts and attend face to face promotional events such as the monthly HEYBABY Carousel event at Women and Children's Hospital in Hull. In October 2024, we were awarded a RCM Award for Outstanding Contribution to Maternity Services: Digital, and we are hoping to support in the expansion of the project in other areas.

Career highlights: I enjoy being involved in the development of personalised maternity care. Being a mother of young children myself, I recognise the importance of feeling listened to when it comes to advocating for ourselves during what can be a vulnerable time in our lives. My hope is that within my job roles I can empower women to make informed choices and feel supported during their episode of maternity care.

Advice to others: Prioritise yourself and your family life. In a job we feel so passionate about, it can be hard to maintain a work/life balance as we strive to give our best possible care. We cannot fill from an empty cup.