Couple thank midwife with “heart of gold”
Fran and Carl recently welcomed baby Sofia Elizabeth into the world with Lisa's help
A couple who recently welcomed their first baby into the world have thanked midwife Lisa Cooke for her dedication and support. Francesca Birks and husband Carl, of Fenton, were told they wouldn’t be able to have children naturally, but in the Spring of 2020 they announced they were expecting. Fran was cared for by Lisa in the Midwife Birth Centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital and baby Sofia Elizabeth was born on 9 January 2021 weighing 6lb 11 1/2oz.
Fran said: “Myself and Carl were very concerned about our situation as we have a very long history of miscarriage. We said all this to Lisa and she was amazing, she reassured us and explained what would be happening. She constantly monitored me but also looked after Carl too. Once we were in established labour, she never left my side. I can’t thank her enough for what she did for us, she is an unsung hero with a heart of gold. Upon returning home, we found a message from Lisa saying congratulations and well done. This lady is an asset to the midwife profession and to Royal Stoke, we can’t praise or thank her enough.”
Fran and Carl have given Lisa the UHNM Hero award in recognition of the comfort and reassurance she gave to them. Sharon Wallis, Head of Midwifery presented Lisa with the award on their behalf.
Lisa Cooke, Midwife, has been given the UHNM Hero award by proud parents Fran and Carl Birks
Sharon said: “It’s wonderful to receive such fantastic feedback about Lisa, but not a real surprise. She always provides a high standard of care and is a highly regarded member of the midwifery team. Lisa is a fantastic role model for our students and supports all of her colleagues with kindness and caring.”
Lisa lives in Ashbank and has three children of her own. She says the good experience she had with her midwife inspired her to become one.
Lisa said: “I love being able to make a difference to families and to help them have the best experience possible. Understandably many people are very anxious and it’s nice to be able to reassure them and try to alleviate any fears they may have. Listening to people and understanding them is very important. It’s nice to know that what I do makes a difference.
“When Fran’s labour had progressed at home and Carl rung the centre to see about coming back in, he asked for me personally and this really meant a lot. Fran did amazingly in labour, she was brilliant. I was able to care for her during the early labour phase, throughout labour and even in aftercare and it’s been wonderful to go on that whole journey with them. It’s lovely to receive this award and it just makes it all worthwhile.”