Armelle,
David & Youna
Alison, Clemmie, & Romily
Armelle, David & Youna
"The first time I saw Meg I knew she was the one! I knew me and my baby would be safe with her. I trusted her completely right from the start and was proved 100% right. Throughout my pregnancy, she was my "tree". She finds the right words that soothe the heart, she is sincere and truthful and strong but also understanding and compassionate. It is so great to be advised by a medical professional who doesn't try to pretend she has no feelings. Meg has feelings and says so but her feelings never invade yours, they just make you feel more like a worthy human being."
"I wanted a homebirth and when my waters broke at only 36 weeks and I didn't go into labour within 12 hours, I was under intense pressure from hospital staff to come in and be induced. But I was scared and didn't want to and Meg supported me against "normal protocol" to stay at home. But I trusted her so much that if she had said we had to go to hospital, I would have gone because I knew she was on my side and wouldn't be saying that just because "it was procedure". Still, in the middle of the night, I was terrified that I was being reckless. I was shaking and shaking, teeth clattering. I called her and she came to see me. We just talked and she reassured me, the shaking stopped. It was just my body trying to evacuate the stress I had been under at the hospital. I am not exaggerating when I say that by doing this she allowed me to accept my baby's early arrival and I went into labour the next morning. Six hours later, my lovely daughter was born at home and Meg's presence helped tremendously to make this moment the best moment of my life. Knowing she was there, trusting she was looking after us allowed me to let go and release the fear. It was a wonderful experience both for me and for my husband. I am glad Meg was the first person my baby saw."
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"Meg Miskin-Garside was my community midwife and cared for me while I was pregnant with my first child Clemency. As an anxious first-time mother she put me completely at ease with her calm, friendly manner. Her total dedication for all in her care was frequently remarked upon among others she was looking after in our health centre waiting room!
My day of labour arrived in March 2003 and I arrived at the hospital in trepidation and not a little pain. While the hospital midwife was booking me in there was a knock on the door and Meg was there; I felt immediately relieved. She was on duty in the hospital that night and I couldn't have been more thrilled.
My labour was difficult as Clemmie was in a tricky position but Meg was always there reassuring, explaining and making everything feel perfectly normal and fine; she also included my concerned and rather redundant husband brilliantly at every stage. I had an epidural in the end but with Meg's expert guidance I was able to deliver Clemmie normally (just before Meg's shift ended- I'm sure that incentivised me).
When I became pregnant with Romily when Clemmie was 9 months old I couldn't imagine having anyone else to deliver my baby. Meg again looked after me throughout my pregnancy, visiting me at home, reassuring, calming and including Clemmie who was bemused by my ever-increasing tummy. My second pregnancy seemed incredibly short but not as short as my two hour labour. Romily arrived into the world fast and furious. Meg was there and all went well.
Meg is, as far as I am concerned, a 'one-off'. Her dedication to her job is always evident and nothing is too much trouble for her. During both my pregnancies I felt relaxed, calm and in control and I'm certain that is due to the excellent care I received. In a process where you feel out of control Meg enables you to feel in control. At times when all dignity is lost Meg makes everything seem dignified. These I think are truly special qualities.
If I ever have any more children (which at this moment in time with two children under two seems highly unlikely!) I couldn't have anyone else to care for me while pregnant or deliver my babies."
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