Midwife Martine is a real Health Hero to mums

A MIDWIFE who was instrumental in delivering a baby in a “calm and relaxing” environment has been named our latest Health Hero.

Martine Lloyd, who works at the University Hospital of Wales’ midwifery-led birth unit, was described as “amazing” during the birth of Isla Taylor on October 14.

Isla’s mum Sara Taylor said she nominated Martine for the accolade to thank her for making the delivery such an unforgettable experience.

“My first birth was very stressful,” said mum-of-two Sara, from Llandaff North, Cardiff.

“I was found to have the infection Group B Strep, which meant I was consultant-led and had to have antibiotics.

“It also ended up being quite a difficult and long labour which needed forceps, so as you can imagine I was quite scared ahead of my second one.”

Sara, 32, said was keen to use one of the unit’s large birthing pools for the delivery of her second child.

“I wanted a water birth in my first pregnancy as well, but it didn’t work out that way,” she added. “I wanted the labour to be as natural and normal as possible, rather than medical.

“For my first I needed an epidural and extra pain relief so I wanted this time to be different.”

Martine, who has worked as a midwife for 18 years, said: “Water is very soothing and it takes your weight, meaning there is less need for pain relief. To be able to immerse yourself in the warm water, and be able to move about freely, makes you far less rigid than you would in a hospital bed.”

Sara said she only used gas and air during labour, and was only in the pool for 90 minutes before little Isla was born weighing 8lb 2oz.

Sara added: “When she was born she came straight on me and fed really well. I could relax and just enjoy my newborn baby without all the medical recovery, and unlike last time I remembered everything about it.

“Martine was amazing and guided me through the whole experience.”

On receiving the Health Hero award, Martine, from Pentwyn, said: “It means everything to me to be nominated by a patient – they are the reason I come to work.

“When I had my first baby 27 years ago I was so frightened and I felt like I lost control. Since I’ve been a midwife I just remember that feeling of vulnerability and I don’t want anyone to go through that. I just want to empower them and offer holistic care.”

Martine, 48, will now be given a treat at the Park Plaza Hotel, on Greyfriars Road, Cardiff.

If you know an unsung hero who works or volunteers for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, you can nominate them for our Health Hero award by emailing mark. smith@walesonline.co.uk