"I […] want to reach out regarding a second year student […] Her name is Lily […] and I do not have enough words to describe what a wonderful midwife and individual she is. Her care, professionalism, friendliness and passion for the job absolutely made my experience as a new mother so much easier! […] I was surprised to find out she was still a student! […] The calibre of students you produce is fabulous. Well done!"

"I recently had my baby [and was cared for by a] student Midwife [named] Ashleigh […] She was absolutely amazing and I honestly could not thank her enough for all help and support throughout the labour, she even stay[ed] on with me after her shift so she could be there when he was born! She really helped me and my partner through a bit of a difficult labour, kept us both calm throughout and explained anything we were not sure of. For someone so young and still in training her mature attitude and empathy was amazing and I have no doubt she will go onto be an amazing midwife!"

"I recently gave birth to my first child […] at the end of December. […] I was introduced to Ruth [student midwife]. Ruth was extremely helpful, professional and so full of knowledge. I know it must be difficult during a global pandemic to ask your students to voluntarily go into a hospital setting to work knowing the risk to life but Ruth was a huge help."

"I gave birth to my first baby in November 2020. One of your students Cara […] was with me throughout my labour and was truly fantastic. Given the current circumstances and restrictions around COVID, I was terrified that birth was going to be a lonely and traumatic experience. Together with the assigned midwife, Cara made my experience a memorable one for all the right reasons. Cara was informative and able to answer my many questions and when I was advised that I had to go to theatre after birth, Cara stayed with me throughout surgery and ensured I was calm and reassured."

"I have 4 kids now and I have to say the best experience was my youngest […] Everyone was amazing from start to finish. My little girl was born on the 13th of October […] I had 2 midwives (Olivia and Helena) and a student midwife (Rachel) with me. Before, during and after I got excellent care. I can't thank them enough! The staff are all amazing every single one of them!"

"Harriet provided me with a fantastic labour and birth experience […] in October, so much so that we gave our daughter Harriet as her middle name. Thank you so much!"

"I gave birth to our first child […] in December 2020 and had such a positive experience from admissions through to discharge. The staff in admissions were reassuring and calming and we really enjoyed getting to experience [the MLU] and birthing pool […] While on the [postnatal ward] […] after giving birth I was [cared for by] a student midwife named Lily who I could not speak highly enough. Her professionalism, care, support and friendship on the ward will never be forgotten […]"

"My experience was with Ruth a 3rd year student […] before the new year. Ruth was absolutely amazing. Such a natural. After giving birth it was very hard having no family in to help due to covid. […] Ruth was on duty the days I was in hospital. Nothing was too much for her, she went above and beyond to make myself and baby comfortable."

"In December I delivered my baby boy […] after quite a straightforward pregnancy. I was induced for post-dates. The midwifery staff […] could not be faulted. […]  [My baby’s heartbeat began to decelerate…] In normal times this alone would have been difficult enough but during a pandemic without my husband being allowed in was hard going. The midwives who cared for me were lovely and kind.  Consoling me when I got upset.  The obstetric team were fantastic, keeping me informed. […]  Each one went above and beyond.  All friendly, helpful and understanding […] the domestic staff were brilliant. 

Once on the postnatal ward and prior to discharge my baby was checked by the paediatric team.  An issue arose and the paediatric team were very professional, putting myself at ease and ensuring follow up was prompt […] My little boy arrived safely and I felt well cared for and safe in a vulnerable time, for that I will always be grateful for the staff I met along the way […]"

"I had a wonderful birth experience […] during the COVID pandemic in February 2021. This was my 3rd birth so knew what to expect with regards to the birth but the restrictions in place due to COVID meant I was extremely anxious about the conditions that I would give birth in.

When my waters broke at 40+6 I attended the assessment alone while my husband stayed in the car. The care and attention I received by the staff was second to none and they instantly put me at ease. I was given my own room but was attended to regularly to ensure I was OK. My husband was able to be with me within the hour as things progressed quickly. I wanted a water birth and the midwives had read my birth plan and ensured I was admitted to the delivery room which had a birthing pool […] and went on to have a healthy baby boy in the pool less than an hour later."