by Bill Heaney
Midwives across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are being thanked this International Day of the Midwife (Tuesday 5 May 2026) for the vital care they provide to women, babies and families. In the past 12 months, 13,150 babies have been born across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde provides maternity care through three maternity hospitals, including Alongside Midwife Units, two Community Maternity Units, a Home Birth Team and a wide range of outpatient maternity services.
Statistics published by Public Health Scotland in November 2025 show that more babies are born in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde than in any other health board in Scotland.
From pregnancy and labour through to postnatal care, feedback from families across the health board consistently highlights the essential role midwives play in supporting women and families through some of the most important and emotional moments of their lives.
Recent feedback shared through Care Opinion praises midwives for going “above and beyond”, helping women feel calm and reassured during anxious moments, and providing personalised, respectful care in hospital, community and home settings.
Care Opinion is an independent, confidential platform that allows patients, families and carers to share feedback about their experiences of health and care services. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde use Care Opinion to listen directly to patients, learn from what they are told, and recognise staff for the care they provide.
At the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital, one parent described the reassurance they received throughout their first pregnancy and early postnatal care:
“I was cared for by Lauren during my pregnancy and initially postpartum. Lauren made me feel at ease during every clinic appointment and was very approachable and easy to talk to. This was my first pregnancy and Lauren was extremely empathetic and supportive throughout my time being cared for by her.”
At the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, another family shared how the support they received during labour stayed with them long after the birth of their baby:
“I am so pleased I chose to labour in the alongside midwifery unit at the QEUH. I was supported by brilliant midwives, Donna and Pam, who supported my birth plan to have a water birth, using the techniques I had learned through hypnobirthing and antenatal classes. I will forever be grateful for my experience there, and they made my birth experience as a first-time mum such a special occasion. Thank you so much to Donna, Pam and the rest of the team.”
Feedback from Inverclyde Royal Hospital highlighted the calm and compassionate environment created by midwives during labour and postnatal care:
“I have been lucky enough to attend Inverclyde Royal Hospital for all of my pregnancy appointments. My midwife Lesley-Anne, has been a credit to the NHS; she had helped me navigate pregnancy after loss, supported me through all my worries and issues and supported me post birth with the best care and compassion.
“The rest of the team at IRH were amazing during my pregnancy, and the fact that I could attend daycare for any concerns and was listened to and checked over thoroughly was amazing.”
In the community, families supported by the Vale of Leven midwifery team praised how approachable and supportive staff were throughout pregnancy:
“All of the Vale of Leven community midwife team and administration staff have been lovely throughout my pregnancy. However, particularly Yvonne and Sarah made me feel very comfortable and at ease to discuss any concerns or questions I had, and I really beyond appreciated their support.”
Meanwhile, families cared for by the Greater Glasgow Home Birth Team described how personalised, continuous midwifery care helped them feel safe and empowered at home:
“My birth was attended by two Carolines as well as a community midwife. I felt so safe and empowered in their care. They gave clear guidance and talked me through everything that was happening. They supported me to deliver my baby in the most incredibly calm and beautiful way.
“After the birth, they administered stitches, which are healing well. They then went above and beyond cleaning and tidying our house and providing us with tea and toast while we sat on the sofa with our baby.”
Mary Ross-Davie, Director of Midwifery for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Our midwives provide outstanding care every single day, often supporting families through some of the most joyful, emotional and sometimes challenging moments of their lives.
“The stories shared through Care Opinion are incredibly powerful and a real reflection of the compassion, professionalism and dedication our midwives show across maternity services, whether they are working in hospital, in the community or supporting home births.
“On International Day of the Midwife, I want to say thank you to all our midwives and maternity teams for the difference they make to women, babies and families across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.”