Midwifery going from strength to strength

I have been President of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) for almost 3 years. During that time I have travelled to all parts of the UK and all over the world clocking up thousands of miles. I have met many midwives and others involved in maternity care, talking with them in health services, universities, public places, and through social media. I've met hundreds of people, and learned so much from the journey.

First, I want to say just how much midwives, maternity support workers and others involved in the maternity services have to be proud of. Despite the intense pressure we are all working under, with care becoming more complex than it has ever been, and many services working beyond capacity with too few midwives—not only is good care being provided but new services are being developed and established.

I have seen so much inspiring and innovative work, but only have space to draw on a few examples: