As today is the International Day of the Midwife, I wanted to take some time to say a huge ‘thank you’ to my fellow Midwives, both at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals and elsewhere.
Although we might not personally remember, Midwives play a huge role in bringing us into the world, supporting mothers through one of the most powerful of life experiences.
We’re on hand for your antenatal care, during labour and also in the month after you take those first tentative breaths in the world. We give care, offer advice and form powerful bonds with the parents we help through this utterly magical moment, serving as a calming and experienced presence throughout.
I began my career in the NHS in 1986, initially training as a Nurse, after experiencing the amazing care the profession provided for my mum, who, while I was young, spent four months in hospital. I can recall clearly just how professional, kind and encouraging her Nurses were, and even as a child I knew that I wanted to be able offer the same care to others, as they offered to my mum.
Skipping forward to 1992, having worked at both the Emergency Department, Orthopaedics and Gynaecology, I decided to undertake post-registration Midwifery training, having witnessed just what a difference this profession makes to people’s life and since then I haven’t looked back. There is something so profound about seeing women as they become mothers, offering advice, support and care throughout this transformation, and I’m very proud to have played a crucial part in these moments.
Now as Head of Midwifery for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals my role has changed, overseeing and providing leadership for an amazing Nursing and Midwifery team that we have at the Trust. While before I spent the majority of time with mums and dads, I now particularly relish seeing those training and newly qualified developing and thriving, and I would encourage anyone with an interest in this role to embark on such a rewarding career.
So please join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our Midwives and if you can, speak to your parents and ask if they remember the person who helped to bring you into the world, safe and healthy – I bet it will make for an interesting conversation!
Sharon Dickinson
Head of Midwifery at DBTH