Families across Bolton have been sharing messages of thanks and support to Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s midwives on a special day that recognises their care and compassion.
International Day of the Midwife is celebrated every year on 5 May to shine a spotlight on the profession and pay thanks to midwives for their dedication in supporting families in Bolton and around the world.
Each year in Bolton midwives help to deliver thousands of babies, supporting women and families every step of the way.
On the Trust’s Facebook page, mothers who gave birth at Royal Bolton Hospital have expressed their gratitude.
Jessika commented:
“I feel so incredibly lucky to have had such amazing midwives during both of my births in 2021 and 2025. With my first baby it was during the COVID lockdowns, I was so scared but Paula made me feel completely safe and reassured. She went above and beyond, even staying past her shift to deliver my baby boy, something I will never forget.
“I feel so grateful to have had such wonderful, caring women supporting me through these special moments.”
Lucy posted:
“I would love to send a special thanks to the Antenatal Day Unit midwives who supported me many times. They made me feel listened to every time I had a concern. Truly inspirational!”
Rachel was transferred to Royal Bolton Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after giving birth in December 2025. She said:
“The care I received by every single midwife that looked after I was outstanding, I can’t them all enough for making a very hard time a lot easier. Real life angels.”
Holly said:
“After years of trying to conceive, IVF, a missed miscarriage and tokophobia, I was terrified of all that could happen. Thankfully, your amazing team helped me and I had the best birth day. It was truly magical. The midwives at Bolton are a credit to the NHS.”
More than 300 midwives work at Royal Bolton Hospital and in the community, with some of those being inspired to train as a midwife following the care they received during pregnancy.
Midwife, Clare Wisson, qualified in October and spent her first few months on the Central Delivery Suite:
“A midwife who looked after me in my second pregnancy was, to me, everything that a midwife should be. She listened to me, she advocated for me, and she was really with me through my whole pregnancy and postnatally as well.
“Being on the Central Delivery Suite was a massive learning curve, but I was so supported by all my fellow midwives, managers and colleagues to help me every day to become the midwife I want to be.
“Supporting a woman is such a privilege when she’s vulnerable, when she’s scared. To help her find the strength she perhaps didn’t know she had is so rewarding and so empowering. Helping women believe in themselves is the most special thing to me.”
“Training to become a midwife has challenged me in ways that I never knew I could be challenged, but it’s also taught me so much about life, about love, about being with women and trusting each other. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
For others, becoming a midwife felt like a calling after following in the footsteps of their family. Fiona Jarvis, Antenatal Ward Manager, said:
“I always wanted to be a midwife. I come from a long line of midwives within my family.
“I’ve been a midwife for about eight years, predominantly working on the antenatal ward. It’s an absolute privilege, I see it as a complete vocation. I’m able to come in and support families at a time that is so important to them and I really do enjoy spending time with them each day.”
A range of treats and gifts are being provided to midwifery teams to mark International Day of the Midwife, including free massages, breakfasts and afternoon teas and wellbeing check-ins.
Tyrone Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Today we celebrate the invaluable contributions of our midwives to the health, wellbeing and safety of our women, babies and families.
“Every single year, they help to welcome thousands of precious little lives into the world with the utmost professionalism, care and respect.
“We look forward to an exciting future for the healthcare as the development of our brand new Maternity and Women’s Health Unit continues at pace, providing high-quality facilities for our women and families and a modern space for us all to deliver care in.
“A huge thank you to all of our midwives for everything you do.”
More information about maternity services at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust can be found on their website.
To hear more from Bolton’s midwives on International Day of the Midwife, check out the Trust’s TikTok, Instagram and Facebook pages.
