Our midwife Jess was amazing, nothing was ever too much, and this was especially true when the unthinkable happened to us. Sadly, our baby boy was born sleeping. Jess was there when we found out and was a shoulder to cry on. Alongside her was a student midwife, whom we would also like to recognise for being an incredible support and showing such bravery in choosing to be with us not once, but twice.

Jess explained everything that was happening, gave us time to understand, and answered all our questions. I would have had no idea what was happening without her. She reassured me that I would be allowed to meet my baby and be with him, which was such a precious time. I cannot thank the midwives at Bedford Hospital enough.

Both midwives walked us to our car, having given us the option to stay or go home. We chose to go home, and she reassured us it was the right choice because it was what we wanted. She also gave us a set time to come back, but told us we could be late, saying, if it helps, that’s all that matters.

There were a few days when we didn’t see her, but she was in our thoughts every step of the way. So when we were thinking about heading home after the birth and our current midwife didn’t have all the answers, she reappeared, and her presence gave us exactly what we needed to move forward. Without her being there that day, I don’t know if we would have had the strength to go home. But her warm personality, empathy, and care gave us the confidence.

Jess even stayed at least three hours after her shift to help us walk our baby boy down to the chapel of rest, and then took him on to the mortuary for us. She explained that we could still visit and even booked us in for the next day to see him. She gave us time and encouragement, and we cannot thank her enough for what she did.

Jess also supported my partner, providing the information and encouragement he needed, and helping him see how it was supporting me as well. He will forever be grateful and says she is a midwife we will never forget.

If we are lucky enough to return with a different ending, we would love to have her there, welcoming a brother or sister for our little boy into the world.

Every single midwife and support staff member we met made our journey that little bit more bearable, and without their love and compassion, we would not be as strong as we are today. We now recommend the midwife-led delivery to anyone we know coming to Bedford for birth.