You’re all doing a Kate job
Duchess thanks midwives in letter after joining them on their rounds
THE Duchess of Cambridge has thanked the nation’s midwives after spending time accompanying them visiting new mums in their own homes.
Kate worked with community midwives on their daily rounds last month and has penned an open letter praising “the humbling work you do day in, day out”.
She is launching a project to highlight how what we experience between birth and reaching five affects the rest of our lives.
To learn more she spent two days at the Kingston Hospital Maternity Unit in London.
The Duchess said: “I accompanied community midwives on their daily rounds and was welcomed in to people’s homes.
“I was truly touched by the trust that people placed in me, sharing their experiences and voicing fears openly. I also spent time in hospital clinics and on postnatal wards. No matter the setting, I was continually struck by the compassion that those of you I spent time with showed, and the incredible work ethic you demonstrated on behalf of your entire profession.”
Her tribute included reference to her own experiences of the “care and kindness provided by midwives” during the births of her children.
She suffered from extreme morning sickness during all her pregnancies when carrying Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Her open letter added: “The Early Years are more critical for future health and happiness than any other moment in our lifetime. Even before we are born, our mother’s emotional and physical health directly influences our development and by the age of five a child’s brain has developed to 90% of its adult size. Your role at the very start of this period is therefore of fundamental importance.”
Kensington Palace released images of her time with the midwives.
She added: “You don’t ask for praise or for recognition but instead unwaveringly continue your amazing work bringing new life into our world.
“You continue to demonstrate that despite your technical mastery and the advancement of modern medicine, it is the human to human relationships and simple acts of kindness that sometimes mean the most.
“So as we look ahead to next year, I want to thank you for all that you do. It has been a real privilege learning from you.”
The Duchess has established a steering group of experts, which first met in May 2018, who have been considering how she and her Royal Foundation can help improve outcomes for youngsters.
Kate’s letter comes on the eve of the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife in 2020.
Gill Walton, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “We are delighted the work has been recognised in this way by HRH the Duchess of Cambridge.”
It has been a real privilege learning from you
THE DUCHESS ON WORK OF MIDWIVES