My name is Ashley Murphy. I’m a primary school teacher, and I recently became a first-time mum to my beautiful baby boy, Alfie. His arrival into the world was anything but straightforward, and today I want to share a part of that journey - a journey that showed me how extraordinary midwives truly are.

Pictured above: Simon, baby Alfie and Ashley

At 32 weeks, I was diagnosed with placenta previa. I didn’t know what it really meant or the risks involved. I went home that day unaware of just how serious things could become. At 33 weeks and two days, I attended Wexford General Hospital with bleeding. I was admitted to the labour ward and, although I did not know it at the time, would not return home for weeks. During this uncertainty I found comfort and reassurance in the entire staff but mostly with the midwives.

Soon after, I was transferred to Waterford Hospital due to the high risk that Alfie might arrive early - before 34 weeks. The team at Wexford knew he’d need specialist care if that happened. Thankfully, I made it back to Wexford at 34 weeks and two days, and early the next morning, my waters broke. Alfie was delivered by emergency C-section.

He spent two weeks in hospital - one week in special care, one in paediatrics. Those weeks, and the time before and after his birth, were the most frightening, overwhelming, and emotionally draining moments of my life. My husband and I were in a constant state of fear, not knowing what would happen or if Alfie would be okay.

But through all of that - through the panic, the tears, the uncertainty - there were people who stood by me. Who made me feel seen, heard, and held. Those people were the midwives.

Pictured above: A very happy and healthy baby Alfie

There were so many incredible midwives who helped me along the way. Each one made a difference in a way they might not even realise.

To the midwife who sat down beside me just to chat about the book I was reading - as they were preparing to move me to Waterford - to distract me from what might come next. 

To the midwife who explained what flange sizes I might need - when I didn’t even know what a flange was. 

To the midwife who taught me how to collect colostrum, who patiently guided me through something so new and strange. 

To the midwife who said, “Don’t get out of the bed - I’ll bring your milk up to SCBU after you’ve pumped'. 

To the midwife who sat on the bed with me and shared stories about her own family, making me feel less ALONE. 

To the midwife who held my hand when I started bleeding, who looked me in the eye and said, “It’s going to be okay. I’m here'. 

To the midwife who was with me when Alfie was born, who promised she wouldn't leave my side if my husband didn’t make it in TIME. 

To the midwife who held my hand while I cried, who told me, 'It’s fine - you’re allowed to cry. I’d be more worried if you didn’t'. 

To the midwife who didn’t even know me but took one look and said, 'You don’t look right, I think we need to check you'. 

To the midwife who saw how tired I was and SAID, ' You need to rest - I’ve got this'. 

To the midwife who told me her story about how her daughter was born at 34 weeks and how she is thriving now. Knowing that's what I needed to hear.

To the midwife who popped into special care just to see how Alfie was doing, and then popped in again to say, He’s doing really well, Ashley.

To all the midwives who offered advice and support from one mother to another. 

Thank you to each of you, who in your own way, made what was the hardest time of my life bearable. Your kindness wasn’t just your job - it was real, it was felt, and it made a difference. A massive difference.

There are so many of you to name, but in particular, I want to mention Chloe. Chloe is a family member and a midwife, but from the moment I was admitted, she was there with guidance, support, and love. I’ll never forget that.

Midwives aren’t just medical professionals. They’re protectors, comforters, listeners, and sometimes even friends in moments of crisis. Without them, I don’t think I’d be in the mindset I am today.

To all the midwives out there - you are incredible. Truly. And from the bottom of my heart, thank you.