When I arrived at the delivery ward, I was alone as I had arrived for reduced movement. I was scared of what would happen and that my partner would not make it in time. Emma showed exceptional compassion and not only reassured me but held my hand and kept me occupied by talking to me whilst I waited to go down for an emergency c-section, discussing things such as how common it can be for babies to need resuscitation. Even when my partner arrived, she never left my side. I only described her as a mother figure at that moment, not only looking after me but also ensuring my baby was okay.

Emma also demonstrated collaboration with fellow staff ensuring she introduced me before we even met who was to arrive. Explaining in every detail who I was waiting for, their name and how lovely they are. This not only ensured continuity of care but also provided me with a deep reassurance that I was well looked after not only by Emma but the whole team who were to be delivering my baby.

She also made me feel empowered, thinking of every little detail, like whether I would want music, skin-to-skin with baby, etc. All things I would normally ask, but due to the emergency, all that had skipped my mind. Emma’s thoughtfulness was what prevented me from experiencing trauma from a stressful emergency. The earlier discussions we had had such as in regards to resuscitation meant I did not panic when my daughter needed resuscitation, I was exceptionally calm given the situation as I just knew she was well looked after and all would be okay.

Once our baby had arrived and I was in recovery, Emma then moved on to the rest of the shift, but her care did not stop there. At the end of her shift, she came to see how baby and I were doing, not once but twice. I found this very touching. Anyone who is lucky enough to have Emma as their midwife will be well looked after and cared for. What was an emergency c-section honestly felt like a planned one, thanks to Emma. She is a very special midwife.