Michelle Harrison, from Orpington, has been crowned London’s ‘Emma’s Diary Mums’ Midwife of the Year 2017’

Nominated by mum Michelle Cottle, Michelle Harrison has been awarded the Emma’s Diary Mums’ Midwife of the Year 2017 for the London region. The prestigious award is one of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Annual Midwifery Awards, recognising the remarkable work done by inspiring midwives across the country.

Midwives play such a positive role in so many mums’ lives and the Emma’s Diary Mums’ Midwife of the Year Award gives mums the opportunity to express their gratitude and pay a heartfelt tribute to their own special midwife whose kindness and support went above and beyond what was expected of them. Sadly, Michelle’s daughter, Orla, was stillborn at 37+2 weeks, following a smooth and healthy pregnancy. It was midwife Michelle’s continual level of support and guidance at this tragic time that helped the family to grieve, retain precious memories of Orla and have hope for the future. Michelle is currently 25 weeks pregnant with her rainbow baby and due to working in a caseload team, midwife Michelle has managed to provide continuity of care throughout both pregnancies. This has contributed hugely to how Michelle has coped emotionally since losing Orla and embarking on pregnancy after loss.

Michelle, who nominated midwife Michelle for the award, explains: “When we found out Orla had died Michelle went above and beyond to be by our sides throughout the labour and remained to complete all the relevant paperwork and ensure we made as many precious memories as we could. If it wasn’t for Michelle we might not have a lock of Orla’s hair, or the ceramic footprints that we so treasure. Michelle came to Orla’s funeral and has continued to support myself and my husband. She gave us hope that we will one day have a baby we can take home with us - we wouldn’t have survived the first few months without her.”

On winning the award Michelle, who works for King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, adds: “I have been a midwife for nearly 20 years and as a midwife I have always wanted to provide the best care for every woman I care for. You never do this for any reward. A midwife’s "reward" comes from helping a family through a massive transition into parenthood and seeing them happy and healthy at the end of each journey. When this does not happen in the way you hope, it is a distressing experience for all. I only hope in these circumstances to help the mother and family through as best I can. Helping them to deal with their grief, shock and immense sorrow. Giving them strength to continue and dare to believe they will one day be a complete family.

She continues: “I genuinely believe this is the most precious part of my role as a midwife, because how these women look to the future and have hope is paramount to being able to cope with their grief. I am in awe of Michelle (and her husband Andy) that in the midst of their grief they were able to nominate me for this award. They are truly amazing in the way they have coped with losing Orla and are an inspiration to me and other midwives and mothers experiencing loss. I am fortunate to work in an amazing caseload team and we support each other so that individual midwives can provide the maximum support to people such as Michelle and Andy. I am always grateful to my team for their commitment and support.”

Emma’s Diary, the UK’s essential support resource for mums to be and new parents, and the RCM received a record 747 nominations from mums across the UK, highlighting just how important the midwife’s role is. All entries were put through a rigorous judging process by a panel of representatives from both the RCM and Emma’s Diary, resulting in seven regional winners.

The RCM’s Annual Awards, now in its 15th year, will be hosted for the third consecutive year by popular news and TV presenter and mother-of-two, Kate Silverton, on 7th March 2017. Michelle will join the six other regional winners at a central London awards ceremony, where Michelle will collect her trophy and find out who will be awarded the overall national winner.

Faye Mingo, Emma’s Diary’s marketing director, comments: “Sponsoring this award for a second year has been an absolute highlight for Emma’s Diary. Once again, the experience has been truly humbling and we’ve been in awe at the stories of exceptional compassion and tender nurturing, demonstrated by hundreds of brilliant midwives across the UK. Each nomination conveyed a level of care and dedication that makes such a huge difference to a mum and their family’s life. We are delighted for Michelle, who is so deserving of this extra recognition.”

Cathy Warwick, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, remarks: “What is so important about winning this award is that it comes from the mothers that midwives have cared for. There is no better indication of the quality of care than that of the mother, so Michelle should be hugely proud of this achievement. Michelle has gone above and beyond to deliver high quality, woman centred care and I congratulate her for her commitment, dedication and for caring so much about the care she gives.

“All of us can learn from midwives like Michelle. She is a shining example to me, and I hope for other midwives who will be inspired by her example.”

Based on information supplied by Kim Swead.