I was pregnant with my second child and living with depression, anxiety, and PTSD from historical sexual trauma. I was planning an elective C-section for psychological reasons, and receiving specialist support from the mental health team led by Anna Matthews, whom I later learned helped train Lauren early in her career.

From our very first encounter, Lauren showed not just clinical skill, but deep empathy and emotional intelligence. She gave me time and space to speak, listened without judgment, and consistently delivered care that was tailored to my emotional and psychological needs. There was no patronising tone or head-tilt of pity, only a calm, warm professionalism that immediately helped me feel safe.

She communicated clearly, respectfully, and with great humour, which became a vital source of comfort during a vulnerable time. She even shared recipes that made me smile on hard days, an example of her holistic and deeply human approach to care.

Lauren removed unnecessary stress from my pregnancy journey. She was accessible by text when I had concerns, always responded thoughtfully, and empowered me with reassurance and practical guidance. Her ability to balance boundaries while still making me feel seen and valued is a rare gift in healthcare.

But what truly sets Lauren apart is how she went above and beyond, not in a single dramatic moment, but in the countless small, thoughtful actions that shaped my entire pregnancy and birth experience. This nomination doesn’t tell the story of one heroic act. Instead, it’s a story of quiet strength, kindness, and professional foresight.

From adjusting her shifts so she could be there for my C-section, to recognising silent panic in my body language, to swapping an oxygen mask for a nasal cannula so I could see and hold my daughter, every small gesture added up to something profound. These were acts that didn’t just meet a clinical need; they met me where I was.

After her shift, she returned to check on me. She took charge of my baby’s head-to-toe exam because she knew I was anxious. Again, nothing flashy, just careful, considerate care at every stage. It wasn’t the big things that made the difference. It was the accumulation of the small ones.

Lauren embodies every one of the Trust’s values: she includes by making every patient feel heard and respected, respects the emotional journey behind each clinical need, and improves the patient experience in ways both large and small.

She reflects all five standards of excellence, leadership, shared decision-making, well-being, safety and quality, and professional development, and leads by example in everything she does.

Lauren is a reminder of the extraordinary human connection at the heart of healthcare. She never blurs the line between being a midwife and being a friend; you always know she’s in control, but you also know she cares deeply.

She represents what the DAISY Award was created to honour: skilled, compassionate care that transforms the patient experience. She is courageous, emotionally intelligent, funny, and simply outstanding at her job.

We need more Laurens in the NHS, and I will forever be grateful she was part of the journey that gave me my daughter.