"Pregnancy and postnatal care- amazing midwife"

Following a previous traumatic birth and feeling like I wasn't cared about or listened to in my first pregnancy and birth, I was feeling incredibly anxious about pregnancy and birth and being cared for again at the PRUH.

I seriously considered travelling to another hospital for care but had concerns about the journey due to a previous very quick labour so decided to try the Beckenham midwives again with a plan to transfer care if I had another bad experience. I attended the Beckenham beacon for my first appointment all alone in the middle of a pandemic feeling apprehensive and worried, then I met a lovely midwife called Tash who instantly realised how nervous I was and went out of her way to make me feel at ease.

She really listened to my experiences and fears and took her time to reassure me. Tash went out of her way throughout my pregnancy to help me work through my previous trauma, to make sure I was informed of all my options at all times and feel in control of my birth and less frightened, to the point of having 3 different birth plans so I felt comfortable with my options, whilst also making sure to include my husband via facetime so he felt involved despite Covid restrictions. She kept in touch with me regularly and was always available at the end of the phone when I needed extra reassurance.

When I gave birth my baby had some complications, knowing  I would be anxious, Tash came to see me on the ward to check in and then saw me at home after birth to give me all the reassurance and support I needed. She is the most genuinely kind, compassionate and supportive health professional I have met, but also super knowledgeable and professional. I cannot thank her enough for being such an amazing midwife and helping me to heal from my first experience, I will be forever grateful. The world needs more midwives (and people) like her.