I gave birth to a healthy baby boy unexpectedly at home. The entire experience was terrifying. I wished to give birth at the RHH due to the skills and services available, i.e., a MET call, ICU, and NICU if needed. Unfortunately, I never made it to the hospital and ended up giving birth at home with only my husband for support. The key thing l remember from the birth was desperately crying out for help while my husband was on the phone to the ambulance and PAC and knowing that no help was coming. The baby was on its way, there was nothing I could do to stop it and there was no one to help. I had never felt more fear in my life.

The baby arrived very quickly, the ambulance 10 minutes later and l arrived at the hospital one hour later. I was under the care of midwife Claire Sibson who was wonderful from the moment l arrived. She was kind and reassuring yet professional the entire time and quickly put me at ease.

The reason l am nominating her for an award, though, was a moment of exceptional patient-centred care. I was lying on the bed with my newborn son on my chest and the doctor examining me, as this was very painful l was having a bit of gas to help alleviate some of the pain. The doctor clearly told me her findings, that l had tore and was in need of stitches and asked my consent to do so.

At this point in time l was starting to feel the effects of the medication build up and was worried that needing medical intervention l would require even more medication to cope. I was tired and scared, and I could feel myself losing control and was terrified of dropping my newborn son. I raised my hand in a stop motion and heard Claire very clearly and authoritatively (but not at all rudely) say to the doctor, “That means stop.” She removed the gas, let me speak to ask my son to be removed, and then gave consent to proceed. My wishes were immediately carried out. My son was taken to his father and the procedure carried out.

Whilst the doctor was doing what she needed to do Claire was helping me, providing reassurance, giving guidance and telling me what was happening. I was able to focus just on her, knowing my son was safe to get through the ordeal.

The reason why this seemingly small moment was so important was that my raising my hand and Claire advocating for me was the first bit of control that l had had throughout the entire birthing process and in the days and weeks that followed while l struggled to process what had happened l kept coming back to that moment of control, when my needs and wants were not only heard but acted on. This is the definition of patient-centered care, and it made all the difference in my birthing journey. I felt that was a turning point for me when l knew everything was going to be ok and l was safe.

I assume that if and when Claire finds out about this nomination and the reason for it, she will say she "was just doing her job” or she “doesn’t deserve an award for something that she does every day.” However, this is precisely the point. Claire acted professionally and embodied what it means to be a midwife; she upheld the core tenant of nursing care, which is patient-centered care, and she advocated for me in a time of great need and distress. I will never forget that moment, and l feel that Claire needs to be acknowledged for the wonderful job she did and does every day; this is why Claire Sibson is a true DAISY Nurse. It is my small way of thanking her when no thanks will ever be enough.