I put myself back on the market … as a midwife
Jacqui Martin put herself back on the market after giving up her job as an estate agent and retraining as a midwife.
The then 33-year-old’s change of heart came when she was pregnant with her third child and struck by the care and compassion shown by her young midwife.
“I just thought what an amazing vocation and began an access to nursing course a year after the birth of my daughter.”
Jacqui ended up doing her midwifery training in the same hospital she had given birth in. Her mentor turned out to be the midwife who had helped deliver her child.
“I’m glad I had my children before I become a midwife,” laughs the mother of three who describes her early days as a midwife as both ‘exciting and scary.’
She joined Northwick Park 18 years ago and is currently one of five safeguarding nurses who look after the welfare and health and wellbeing of mothers and their babies.
Jacqui specialises in substance abuse and regularly liaises with social services and other organisations ensuring mother and child get the appropriate support.
“We serve a large diverse community made up of many different cultures and languages including asylum seekers and migrants. It brings its own challenges and we have seen a big upturn in people needing help during the cost-of-living crisis struggling to get essentials, such as cots and clothes.
“It’s not an easy job but it is rewarding. I remember a nurse giving a presentation on safeguarding at my induction at Northwick Park. I knew from that day that was an area I wanted to work in and here I am.”
Jacqui’s efforts were rewarded recently when she was the surprise recipient of the Gwen Richardson Award which is given annually to an outstanding midwife.
“It was a complete surprise when they called out my name. Colleagues have been congratulating and ribbing me about it.”