Colette was my midwife who came onto her night shift not long after I had arrived and I felt at ease the second that I had the pleasure of meeting her. Birthing a baby is a beautiful but vulnerable experience and Colette coached me through every step of labour, giving me the confidence I needed.

When the baby showed signs of distress, she kept me informed at every stage and she acted quickly and efficiently to keep us both safe. The main reason for this nomination is because of the events post-birth. My baby had some high gas readings and needed to be taken away for extra checks. Baby’s dad was able to stay with the baby, leaving me alone and confused, except I wasn’t alone because Colette stayed with me. She showed great compassion in those moments when I was without my baby, support that was desperately needed.

Thankfully my healthy baby was soon returned having passed the extra checks and we were all soon laughing and joking over that glorious tea and toast. Colette is a credit to the department and I’m incredibly grateful that she was my midwife on that night.