Prior to meeting Katie, I had spent 2 days in the hospital waiting to be induced with very little communication or interaction from any staff except to be told that induction was my only option as my waters had broken and it was over 24 hours. I had been having contractions for two days by this point, however I was repeatedly told I was not in labour as I had not reached 4 contractions in 10 minutes.

Katie was the first healthcare professional to take a genuine interest in me and my care. Within a minute of meeting Katie, she had asked about my previous birth experience, which had been overwhelmingly negative, and she established a plan for how this birth could be a completely different experience. Katie was also the first person to acknowledge my contractions and ask if she could examine me, which was a massive relief as the midwives who had brought me down had already told me I would not need to be examined as I was not in established labour and was just going to be started on the induction regardless despite the regular intense contractions I was experiencing.  Through her examination Katie established that there was a cushion of forewaters which was slowing my progress but I was actually already too dilated to be induced.

Katie immediately arranged for us to move to a room with a pool, which I hadn't even thought would be an option, where she planned to break my forewaters. Her efficiency, genuine warmth, and compassion immediately put me and my husband at ease, which was not easy after a stressful and frustrating few days.

After Katie broke the last of my waters, she helped me to the bathroom, although once I stood to get out, my baby's head suddenly felt imminent, and I was unable to get back into the main room.  Katie swiftly coordinated the delivery of our baby in the bathroom, she was confidently efficient and incredibly thoughtful throughout the birth and her post partum care. My baby was born 30 minutes after the forewaters were broken.

I am confident that her support and expertise transformed my birth experience both physically and psychologically, enabling me to be a better mum to my toddler and new baby post birth. I didn't believe giving birth could be an empowering positive experience but Katie proved it can be. I also avoided the injuries of my previous birth which is down to her evident experience, skill and the actions she took during the birth.

I have worked for the NHS as a Paramedic for 13 years, I appreciate the competence, experience and genuine compassion of a skilled clinician who is able to deliver exceptional care to their patients.  Katie has all these attributes in abundance and is a credit to the profession of midwifery.

We hadn't committed to our baby's name at the time of her birth but wanted Katie to know her name and that she is thriving.  I can't thank Katie enough, her exceptional care and support means a great deal to our family and will not be forgotten.