Celebrating International Day of the Midwife: “Being a midwife really is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.”
Midwives working at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) are celebrating International Day of the Midwife by reflecting on their ‘rewarding’ job which gives them the chance to be part of that special journey into parenthood.
This International Day of the Midwife (5 May), NUH is celebrating by saying thank you to all midwives at NUH.
Community midwife, Chantelle Thornley has worked as a midwife at NUH for 28 years. Chantelle started as a student midwife at City Hospital in 1995 before qualifying in 1996.
Chantelle loves working in the community and said: “My work wives make the difference every single day. I’ve been very lucky to have had a career that’s given me such a variety of experiences.
“My favourite thing about being a community midwife is the variety of people that you get to know. Providing continuity of care and helping to create a family.”
Over 350 midwives work across the maternity services at NUH, including City Hospital, Queen’s Medical Centre and out in the community and are responsible for helping to deliver more than 7400 babies per year.
International Day of the Midwife is a chance to celebrate the work that midwives around the world do, and to advocate for midwifery.
Teenage Pregnancy Midwife, Carrie Hayward, qualified as a midwife in 2012 aged 30 and has worked at NUH ever since. 
Carrie said: “Despite difficult days, being a midwife really is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.
“As a teenage pregnancy midwife, I love empowering and nurturing young parents with the aim of increasing their self-worth and confidence as they embark on their journey into parenthood.
“My favourite thing about being a midwife is sharing a pregnancy journey with families and building that midwife-patient relationship. From the first booking appointment at the beginning of pregnancy to the last appointment for postnatal discharge, it’s an honour to be part of that special journey.”
International Midwives Day has been celebrated on May 5 every year since 1992. This year’s theme is “Midwives: A vital climate solution” and is at the core of COP28 to improve the health and status of women.
Sharon Wallis, Director of Midwifery at NUH, said: “Thank you to all our midwives at NUH and out in the community. Caring for women and supporting their families requires a lot of dedication and compassion.
“International Day of the Midwife is an opportunity to pause for a moment and reflect on what our wonderful midwives bring to their roles. Their skill and expertise adds value to so many people and families every single day.”
If you are inspired by Chantelle or Carrie’s story, NUH has a wide range of midwifery opportunities, including in our 24-Hour Home Birth Service team. The new 24-Hour service meets the needs of local birthing people and their families.
In Carrie’s words “For anyone considering applying for their midwifery training, go for it!”
For more information visit https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/careers