“A credit to UHCW” – Coventry mum surprises “caring” midwives with thoughtful gifts

Two midwives at University Hospital, Coventry received a special surprise visit from a Coventry mum to thank them for their high-quality care.

Dani Wooding, who gave birth to baby Jaxson at the hospital’s Lucina Birth Centre in January, was so impressed with the way Odacia Walters and Halima Ali looked after her that she returned two months later to drop off goodies, including flowers and chocolates.

Dani met Odacia a couple of weeks before she went into labour when the midwife showed her around the Lucina – a small maternity unit next to the Labour Ward, which is staffed and run by midwives and offers a comfortable environment for women with low-risk pregnancies.

“Odacia is a breath of fresh air,” said Dani. “After she gave my partner and I the tour we both commented on what a lovely lady she was.

“On 24^th January my waters went. I was sent to the Lucina to be triaged and Odacia happened to be on shift again. She was so lovely and kind to myself, my partner and my mum who were my birthing partners. She said she hoped I’d be back in the Lucina before her shift ended so that she could be there when I birthed my baby.

“Although I ended up being sent to the Lucina just after her shift ended, Odacia came to see me to say good luck and to give me a big hug. This meant so much to me – although it’s such a small gesture I will never forget her kindness.”

When it came to delivering baby Jaxson, midwife Halima was there to make sure everything went smoothly.

Dani said: “I couldn’t have wished for a better midwife. Halima is such a down-to-earth, kind and caring person and I’m so grateful to her. She has a wonderful sense of humour too – she is so funny I practically laughed the baby out, although the gas and air also helped!

“You can tell Halima has a real passion for midwifery and it was so reassuring. Birthing a baby is such a beautiful, yet scary and vulnerable time for a mother. I have such fond memories of my birth – I even joke to my friends and family that I’d love to re-live it.

“Jaxson is my second and last baby, and I had a great experience. I’m really pleased I was able to use the Lucina this time around. I’d recommend it to anyone if they are able to use it.”

Halima said: “It was a true honour to be by Dani’s side as she brought her baby into this world. Being a midwife brings me an incredible sense of fulfilment, as I have the privilege of being there for women during one of the most vulnerable and transformative moments of their lives.

“It's truly rewarding to witness the strength and resilience of our patients and to be part of their journey into motherhood.”

Odacia added: “Becoming a midwife was an obvious choice for me. Working in the Lucina Centre gives me an opportunity to provide holistic care, promote healthy pregnancies and experience natural births. This resonates with me on a personal and professional level. So, with Dani, there was no exception."

Click here to find out more about our Lucina Birth Centre.