Montrose magic moments 2009

From Phyllis Winters, Midwifery Team Leader

With New Year resolutions already beginning to waver, it is time to reflect and, to remember the trials and the triumphs of 2009. My first thoughts are the inevitable “it was such a quick year” – I realise this is indeed a sign of ageing, but boy, it was quick!

In many ways 2009 was a challenging year. The general financial situation prayed on everyone’s mind and belts had to be tightened (figuratively not literally unfortunately); colleagues suffered ill health and the threat of swine flu loomed (and that’s all before I mention 12 hr shifts!) I’d be lying if I said it was all fun and laughter, but despite all this, there was a lot of both.

In January, we went to the Royal College of Midwives’ Awards ceremony. From the minute we left home until we returned it was like Carry  On film, with too many hilarious incidents to mention or admit to. The one humiliating memory imprinted on my brain was me spraying my face, with what   I thought was a facial cooler, whilst everyone at the table looked at me with horror as gloopy white moisturiser cream dripped off  my chin and nose.

Every birth is special, and it is always a privilege to be present, each memorable in its own way. However, I have to say that the lovely though unexpected breech birth that Kate and I attended is perhaps my most memorable of 2009.

I also had the pleasure of attending quite a few home births last year and this again adds another dimension to the midwife’s role.

The newly formed MUMs (Maternity Users Montrose) group has grown and it is always humbling and heartening to have such good support from the past and present users of the service. I really admire and appreciate that women give their time freely to support us.

Perhaps the most exciting news of the year was the plans for the new unit. The project has really advanced in 2010 and continues to progress well.

User representative Avril Nicoll and I were invited to talk at the ‘Stroppy Woman’ Conference in Edinburgh and were favourably received, despite the fact that our video presentation became very ‘stroppy’ and refused to work properly.

We have welcomed student midwives (including my own daughter) from all over the UK to experience Montrose. I have to admit, Katie working within the unit was slightly surreal for me; I was extremely proud of her, but had to fight the urge to say “that’s my girl” to everyone.

Cathy Warwick (General Secretary, Royal College of Midwives) coming to Montrose was a great honour. I can honestly say that Cathy put us all at ease instantly, and I forgot to be on my best behaviour within minutes. Cathy was also present during our very successful annual student study day, which once again was a credit to the hard work of the midwives. Julie and Lorraine won the show again with their magnificent sketch.

The year ended with the loss of two of our staff, Sandra to pastures new and Liz to retirement. This always proves a challenge to a small team, but we look forward to welcoming their replacements.

Anyway, I think I could go on and on, but I will leave some memories for the other midwives. I would just like to say that looking back over the year has made me smile, reminding me how lucky I am to work in Montrose, with great midwives and lovely women. Could someone just remind me of this fact whenever I appear to forget!!

From Julie Strachan

• Mad dash down the road to attend one woman’s poolbirth in her caravan and her feeding the toddler and the baby... I thought it was fab!
• Getting married... not work related but had such a fab time it's worth a mention.
• Annual Student Study day and Lorraine was in great form. We enjoyed the play-acting no end!
• I suppose every birth really is a highlight... It sounds a bit twee but there are lots of very memorable moments that you share with the women. The small things are what make the job a pleasure and they are really too numerous to list.

From Iona Duckett

There have been a few precious moments this year which stand out. Of course each and every relationship built up and birth or postnatal time shared is special – that goes without saying.

The start of the year included an exciting trip once again to the big city where Phyllis, Clare, Liz and myself trekked across London (after much hilarity trying to work the Underground) to receive the runner up ‘Research in Practice’ award for 2009 from the Royal College of Midwives. It is always great fun to mix work with pleasure and to be recognised for work done. The Fawlty Towers hotel and ridiculous weather only added to the fun.

A home birth a month which started in February was demanding in terms of our on call commitment but hugely rewarding as each and every woman got the birth she had hoped for. Especially precious for me was the privilege to spend the night sitting on the end of one woman’s bed awaiting baby 5, watching films and then being part of the family moment when the children woke up and came through to see their new baby.

...Also popping over the road one morning to be with Emily, our student, as she had a peaceful home water birth. Champagne before breakfast was a great way to start that special day. Having close relationships with the women we care for is a reality in Montrose – some are just even more special.

Our student study day 2009 was particularly memorable because the Royal College of Midwives general secretary Cathy Warwick was here on a visit and helped out, spoke to the students and facilitated a workshop. The day was full to the brim with presentations and this year really felt like we had “got it”. Couples who spoke were moving, fun and inspirational and the day seemed quite emotive. After a lot of hard work in organisation it was such a boost reading the evaluations.

And also at last I got my degree.