Daughter follows mum into Midwifery

It’s a case of like mother like daughter for a Cannock woman who has followed her mum into a Midwifery career.

Vanessa and Sinead Hall

Sinead Hall and her mum Vanessa Hall both work in the Maternity Department at New Cross Hospital, part of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT).

Vanessa, 54, from Heath Hayes, completed her Midwifery degree in 2000 and has worked in the hospital’s Delivery Suite ever since.

She said: “I’ve delivered hundreds of babies, seeing a huge increase in the number of ladies we look after. The delivery rates have nearly doubled.

“Most practices and procedures have changed over the years, and the team has evolved to continually improve experiences for those in our care.”

The Senior Midwife co-ordinates activities, ensuring families are well supported and staff are empowered to deliver high-quality care.

“I absolutely love my job – my favourite part is spending time with women in labour and being that listening ear,” added Vanessa. “It’s such a special moment and I always feel honoured to be part of it. I’m also lucky to have an amazing team.”

Meanwhile, Sinead works as a Maternity Support Worker (MSW).

“As I’m nearer the end of my career, it’s like passing the baton, as she’s at the start,” said Vanessa.

“Mum and I are similar people”, said Sinead, 19. “We both love helping others and I can’t imagine us working anywhere other than in healthcare.”

On leaving sixth form, uncertain of which career path to take, Sinead spotted a MSW vacancy online. She applied and was appointed in June 2023.

Since then, she has developed her skills and knowledge on Delivery Suite – supporting women, babies, and their families during “one of life’s milestone moments”.

Sinead has been supported to complete her care certificate and other key Midwifery competencies.

“Whether it’s a complex case or a fast-paced labour, there’s so much variety and I’m always learning,” she said.

“Most days it’s about attending to the needs of mums and their babies – whether it’s giving a bed bath or helping them to get dressed.

“You meet people from all backgrounds. It’s always great to hear different stories and perspectives.”

And the perks of working alongside a family member?

“My mum has lots of pearls of wisdom I can tap into. She inspires me every day.

“Before starting this job I had little context of what she did in her role – and now I know it’s so much more than delivering babies.

“It’s everything in the run up to birth, during labour and post-delivery, offering physical and emotional wellbeing support at all times that is bespoke to each person’s needs and wishes.

“When your colleague is your mum, it’s so nice because you know you’ve always got each other’s back.”

Sinead is hoping to complete a Midwifery apprenticeship in 2025.

ENDS

• For further information, please email alice.sheppard3@nhs.net