Date of release: 5 May 2021
Our first case study for International Day of the Midwife is Community Midwife Rosie Ladkin.
Originally from Bristol, Rosie started her working life as an actress in musical theatre, but soon realised that she was destined to work in a caring profession; wanting a career where she could “give something back” to her local community. With a fascination in pregnancy and birth, Rosie knew that midwifery was a field where she could go on to make a big difference.
And so following a move to the Midlands – and qualifying as a midwife – Rosie took a tour of the New Cross Hospital maternity unit, remarking how she was impressed by the “friendly environment” and “lovely atmosphere”. She went on to join the Trust in 2019 and has since been a proactive and enthusiastic member of the team.
In her role, the 30-year-old sees women and babies both in clinics and at home – looking at babies’ movements during pregnancy, checking on mum’s health and ensuring both are well after the birth.
The small team of community midwives, who Rosie works with, are based in offices around the City of Wolverhampton – working from satellite hubs around the hospital site.
She explained: “We will always check in with mums the day after they are discharged from hospital. This can be supporting with feeding whilst checking baby’s weight and carrying out national screening tests for conditions such as cystic fibrosis. We also focus heavily on checking in with the mums, both physically and mentally, providing any support they need.”
“It’s about being able to help with questions and allaying any fears – the latter being particularly important due to the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The RWT team has gone above and beyond these past twelve months and have been in regular contact with service-users. I think it shows the dedication and commitment of staff to ensure the women are safe and well.”
Soon to start a period working on the hospital’s Delivery Suite, Rosie is looking forward to being able to support women right at the critical moment.
“I love being there during and immediately after the birth so am really excited to be heading to the delivery suite again. I am also interested in ways we can improve the birthing experience for our women, such as with holistic therapies such as aromatherapy, music etc. I think these small things can enhance wellbeing in a big way.”
Reflecting on her first 18 months in the role she said: “For me it’s been great to be able to make a difference to the women and their families at a key time in their lives.
“Now I’m starting to see the women who I supported in pregnancy after they’ve been discharged. It’s so rewarding when you see they’ve gone from feeling anxious and scared, right before the birth, to then feeling happy and settled with their baby.
“Everything is changing in the midwifery practice at rapid speed, so every day is a school day and I’m always learning. I’m proud of the professional development I’d made so far.”
When asked what International Day of the Midwife means to her, Rose replied: “The campaign is about recognising the role midwives play in people’s lives and about appreciating the wide skills set that comes with it. We are autonomous practitioners who work within a multidisciplinary team, and I think that expertise should be celebrated!”
Thank you, Rosie!
