Midwives in Bolton are sharing what a privilege it is to be able to care for thousands of babies and families every year.

To mark International Day of the Midwife today, Sunday, May 5, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is shining a spotlight on the role of midwives and their invaluable skills, expertise and compassion.

The latest figures from the trust reveal between March of last year and March of this year,  Bolton’s midwifery teams helped deliver 5,186 babies, whilst 1,130 babies received extra special care in Royal Bolton Hospital’s Neonatal Unit.

Tracey Fatania, a Registered Midwife at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, first joined the profession in 1991 when she began her training.

Speaking about her role, Tracey said: “It’s the best job in the world to be with women and their families, and providing that care at every stage of their pregnancy journey.

“It’s really special to see their journey of how they become pregnant mums and then leaving with an extra member of their family. It’s a fantastic career choice for anyone wanting to become a midwife.”

Bolton also welcomes student midwives as they develop the skills and knowledge needed to become the next generation of midwives.

Katie Lever is currently in her third year as a Student Midwife and is due to start as a Midwife in the next couple of weeks.

Katie has shared what inspired her, she said: “I chose to enter midwifery because I have had an excellent experience as a patient at Bolton’s maternity unit.

“It inspired me to provide compassionate care for families in the future. As a midwife, I want to be able to make a change and make sure that women are experiencing the same level of care that I experienced.

“It’s a fantastic job because every day is different. There are so many learning opportunities, from day one on the job right through to today.”

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Midwives from around the world have made the journey to Bolton to be able to play an important part in the lives of the town’s communities.

Sofphia Taite-Jarrett, a Registered Midwife at the trust, is originally from Jamaica and why she wanted to be a Midwife.

She said: “It’s being able to change the lives one family at a time by being there for them and helping them to welcome a new life into the world.

“Coming from Jamaica to Bolton I didn’t know what to expect, but everyone has been so welcoming. It was a scary experience, but the warm welcome has helped me to feel at home.

“The one thing I will never be able to get used to, being from the beautiful sunshine Jamaica, is the Bolton weather.”

To mark the day and say thank you, midwives were treated to beauty treatments, quizzes and raffles, workshops and apprenticeships talks.

Tyrone Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer at the trust, said: “Throughout my time at Bolton, I have always been impressed at the quality of care our midwives provide to our women, babies and families.

“Today is all about taking time to reflect on the year that has been, and the vast achievements our midwives have all personally contributed to.

“What they do every day makes a significant difference in the lives of so many.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.