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2009 Feedback

Labour Ward Coordinator, Wolverhampton

‘After returning from the Worcester Conference I reflected on the importance of attending these events. It is easy for midwives to become jaded, blinkered to new ideas and un-receptive to new developments... attending a conference can re-energise and re-ignite passion. It helps you to realise that you are part of a community whose aim is to provide women and their families with high quality evidenced based care. The conference certainly provided the tools to do this. Experts offered evidence, experiences and opinions and provided these in an interesting variety of formats. The event was an overwhelming triumph, talking, listening and networking with like-minded birth enthusiasts is always a joy.’  

Student Midwife, University of Worcester

‘As a first year student the distance between theory and practice appeared relatively narrow, instead, my second year as a student saw the gap widen and in my final year I considered building a boat to cross it. The conference brought these concepts together, and I began to see how the people who inspire me are able to make some of their ideals a reality. Reflecting upon the conference enabled me to begin defining what I had gained; it felt like strength. There was certainly strength to be taken from being amongst people who have a common goal, share similar politics and ideals, but in addition I felt that the conference helped me to bridge the gap between theory and practice.’

Midwifery lecturer, University of East Anglia

'I sent my paper to the conference with a degree of trepidation… it is one thing conducting a study within the confines of a Master’s programme but quite another presenting your findings to the outside world. At the outset I had little expectation that my abstract would be accepted but was determined that the process of preparation and submission would be a valuable learning experience. I was extremely surprised and thrilled to be told that my paper had been ‘well received’. Following my conference presentation one of the participants asked whether I would be interested in contributing to a book she was in the process of editing. I was amazed and flattered that somebody was interested enough in my work to consider involving me in a developing project. I couldn’t believe that my first conference presentation had opened up such a wonderful opportunity. My positive experience at the conference confirmed my entitlement to contribute and my value as an academic.'  

Access Student

'The conference was ‘dipping my big toe’ into the pool – or should I say ‘birthing pool’ - of midwifery. Having attended the two days I can positively say I cannot wait to begin. The importance of midwives re-establishing their role, especially at the time of labour, together with providing informative choices to mothers-to-be was a strong theme and was highlighted time and again – not only by the key note speakers  but also by those in the audience. It was a privilege to be around such powerful-thinking, passionate and caring women and midwifery experts. It was a wonderful insight into the midwifery community and for the possibility to attend the conference was both inspirational and moving. I can truly say that I came out with a smile on my face and a spring in my step and I look forward, with excitement, to my future in midwifery, and attending next year’s conference!'