I first met Jilly in 2021 when she supported me with the pregnancy with my first daughter. In 2020, I had a missed miscarriage, which took place at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and left me with huge health anxieties.

When I became pregnant again, Jilly recognised my anxieties, and not only did she spend time explaining everything to me, but she also did this with the utmost empathy and compassion. 

When I found out I was pregnant for the third time, I immediately asked for Jilly to be my midwife again. I felt entirely safe and supported in her care during my previous pregnancy and couldn’t imagine anyone else being by my side. Initially, the pregnancy went well, but following some unexpected bleeding at 12 weeks my anxiety spiralled, and my mental health dramatically declined. 

Jilly was always there for me and provided me with the reassurance that I needed. I knew she was at the end of the phone when I needed her, and she went above and beyond by responding to messages even when she was not working. She visited me at home on a number of occasions to provide extra reassurance when I was having particularly bad days. She also suggested that we meet weekly at her office so we could listen to the baby’s heartbeat and talk about how I was feeling, which we did from week 14 until I gave birth at week 40. 

In my weekly appointments Jilly always listened to what I was saying cheerfully and professionally, and the rapport she built with me made me feel safe and supported. She truly acted well above the call of duty, and I can’t put into words how grateful I am. 

I’m writing this nomination while I hold my seven day old daughter in my arms. I am full of admiration for Jilly, she is such a wonderful woman who enabled me to have a smooth and calm pregnancy and bring my daughter safely and happily into the world. 

Jilly could not have done more for me, and she deserves the utmost praise and recognition.