The annual competition in search of the nation’s favourite Midwife is now open and we’re pleased to share this lovely, personal guest post from last year’s winner Debbie Oram.
Name: Debbie Oram
Location: Amersham, Buckinghamshire
Practicing midwife for 22 years
I have been a midwife for over 22 years and each day is different because I meet such wonderful people. I decided to become a midwife when I met an inspirational midwife, Lillian, during my training as a student nurse whilst on allocation on the labour ward. Lillian was so calm and empathic, and seemed to develop a real bond with the women in her care – I knew then that this was to be my chosen career.
I worked for 10 years as a community midwife and some of the most special moments were when I attended births at home; the calm atmosphere and being in a women’s own environment makes it very special, especially when you have known the mother for 9 months. It was on one of these home births that I met Olwen Mayes who went on to nominate me for the JOHNSON’s® Baby Mums’ Midwife of the Year Award.
When I stood on that stage in front of all those midwives, I was the proudest midwife in the world; I even cried tears of joy. It still makes me emotional when I think of that special moment. I know that birth is a very personal and special time and a mother never forgets her midwife due to being such a momentous occasion. I still keep in contact with many mothers who I have cared for as we have remained friends due to the special midwife and mother bond.
The nominations for this year’s JOHNSON’s® Baby Mums’ Midwife of the Year Award, part of The Royal College of Midwives Annual Midwifery Awards, are now open. If you gave birth* between 27 September 2011 and 03 September 2012 inclusive and had midwifery support before, during or afterwards, that you feel deserves special recognition, please visit: www.johnsonsbaby.co.uk/midwifeoftheyear
