Lisa Iles

Lisa Iles, Stotfold Children’s Centre Midwife, Bedford Hospital

“Throughout my pregnancy, I had some very bad experiences with midwives (not in Beds), so I didn’t really feel they had much to offer me. However, on May 17, I had a phone call from Lisa to arrange my day 3 check and Lisa turned my midwifery experience around. I was feeling very vulnerable when Lisa called, having had a C section and a small baby who CONSTANTLY breastfed. On the phone, Lisa was so kind and reassuring in just a 15 minute phone call, she made me feel better. I asked if she could be the one to do the day 3 visit and she moved things around to make sure she could. On May 18, Lisa arrived for the day 3 check. Again her demeanour is so kind and supportive, I felt infinitely better after she left. I have to mention in particular the offer to remove my c section dressing which I otherwise had been unable to face. It was an incredibly vulnerable moment but her delicate approach aided my recovery no end. She also gave excellent advice on breastfeeding, without which I think I would have ended my breastfeeding journey prematurely. On May 20, I attended my day 5check. Tamsyn did the bulk of the appointment (who was also incredible by the way, answering endless questions with patience and expertise) but I also had an opportunity to see Lisa again which was great. However, I must admit that I put on a brave face for this appointment and the following day things fell apart…On May 21, I left a voicemail and text for Lisa. The only way to describe how I felt that day was in crisis. I was so sleep deprived I was hallucinating and in so much despair I wanted to just walk out the front door and not come back. Lisa picked up my message within an hour and offered me a same day appointment.

“At the appointment which ended up being an hour long she gave amazing advice on my decision to introduce 1 formula feed, how to manage mastitis, and post-partum physical and mental health care. I sobbed through the entire discussion but today I feel like a new woman. I just cannot find the words to express show grateful I am to Lisa. I don’t think it’s too dramatic to say that she saved me.”