Praise for midwife Nikki who transformed mum’s pregnancy journey
Homebirth Midwife Nikki Murgatroyd was awarded the coveted DAISY award after being nominated by a mum for transforming her pregnancy journey during lockdown.
Her nomination said: “I was struggling physically and emotionally. I was suffering significantly from iron deficiency anaemia, particularly severe breathlessness that made even minimal exertion extremely difficult.
“On top of this, I was continuing to work full time as an NHS doctor. I was exhausted, unwell and struggling to cope. I referred myself to the homebirth team and my first appointment with Nikki was transformative.
“She truly listened to me, really listened and believed me when I explained how unmanageable my symptoms had become.”
Supporting the mum throughout the rest of her third trimester, a significant part of labour and a very challenging postnatal period, Nikki encouraged her, linked her in with our Infant Feeding Team and helped her persevere when she felt overwhelmed. She then went onto be the mum’s midwife during her next two pregnancies.
“Nikki has been my midwife for all three of my pregnancies and has been present for parts of the labour of two of them. That very first meeting with her and the care she has provided ever since completely changed the trajectory of my first pregnancy,” said the new mum.
"What could have remained a frightening and overwhelming experience is now something I look back on with positivity and gratitude.
“Nikki has been instrumental in bringing my three beautiful children into the world. She is not only an exceptional midwife, but an extraordinary human being.
"She will always be regarded as a member of our family and someone to whom I will be eternally grateful.”
Presented with the award by Louisa Davidson, Director of Midwifery, Nikki received a certificate and ‘Healer’s Touch’ statue, a DAISY pin and cinnamon rolls for her team.