Maternity support workers are the frontline of a family’s journey through pregnancy, childbirth and the first few days of birth.

Find out more about working as a Maternity Support Worker.

Meet our South West Maternity Support Workers (MSWs)

Jasmin Pritchett

Maternity Support Worker, Great Western Hospitals

On a typical day I…

have the pleasure to educate and support women and their partners once they have become new parents. Providing important support, care, reassurance and advice on topics such as feeding, baby care and the postnatal period.

One way I’ve made a difference as a MSW…

is by support women to start their breastfeeding journey. I am able to share my knowledge of breastfeeding to enable women to have a positive and effective breastfeeding journey.

What would you say to someone considering a career as a MSW?

I would highly recommend a career as an MSW, it is very rewarding witnesses new life enter the world!  The role allows you to work and feel valued as part of a team,  learn and develop clinical skills, build on confidence and be apart of life changing experiences everyday.

Diana Baker

Senior Maternity Support Worker/Clinical educator, Great Western Hospital

On a typical day I…

help the support staff across the floor by answering any queries, supporting them with their clinical skills which helps the fluidity of staff across the unit, I help them to book onto training courses and back fill where needed so that they can attend, I support them updating their ESR so that they are compliant, I ask them how they are on a daily basis to see how I can help.

I also support our T-level students while they are on placement within the unit and out in community, ensuring they are gaining the maximum experience and expanding their knowledge to support them through their college course.

One way I’ve made a difference as a MSWclinical educator is…

an MSW that wasn’t confident with one of her clinical skills, so I went back to basics starting with getting the correct equipment ready, running through the process and being a supportive voice when unsure when carrying out the task with helpful tips. They are now more confident and happier to carry this out on their own.

What would you say to someone considering a career as a MSW?

You will feel a sense of worth supporting the team around you and our birthing people and their families. With the correct training and guidance you will feel empowered and have a sense of job satisfaction.

Holly Chapman

Maternity Support Worker, Great Western Hospitals

On a typical day I…

support ladies and their partners during one of the most special moments of their lives. I assist the midwives occasionally during the labour, ensuring that things are ready and helping to encourage the lady. We assist in theatre as well during any theatre cases, as a runner. During this time we ensure everything is ready and sterile and get whatever else may be needed. Supporting both mother and partner at a time that can be very frightening for them both. On the Ward, I get to help look after the babies more. Doing regular observation checks on those who may need that extra support. Alongside helping with breastfeeding support – one of my passions!

One way I’ve made a difference as a MSW…

would be how much the family always welcomes our support. Helping them to feel at ease during their time on Delivery Suite and Hazel. During busy periods especially, MSW’s and MCA’s are even more vital, as we provide that additional support doing observations and breastfeeding support. Catheter care and general attention to the patient. This helps to free up time for the midwives to go about the other important tasks they have to do. Our role is so important to the entire team as well! We are always able to recommend any ideas that may benefit the team as a whole, or the patients as individuals.

What would you say to someone considering a career as a MSW?

To somebody who is considering becoming a support worker on maternity, I would definitely say do it! It has been the best career choice of my life to date. You are able to progress, and develop on skills that you may not have realised you have, and build on your confidence on a entirely different level. Being there for the birth of a baby is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job, it is amazing and gives you a sense of achievement too. It is a great way to also get the feel of how things can be within Maternity, and to ‘learn the ropes’ if you should decide to become a midwife. I can honestly say, I am proud to be a Support Worker within the Maternity Unit.