A Croydon midwife has been recognised as one the best in London by a prestigious award.

Kelly Sawyer was nominated by local mum Kasia DiMaria as Emma’s Diary Mums’ Midwife of the Year 2019 for the London region, one of the Royal College of Midwives annual midwifery awards.

Kelly, who works for Croydon NHS trust, provided close care and support to Kasia, helping her have a successful home birth.

Kasia said: “Kelly’s reassuring presence and compassion reinforced my hopes, confidence and trust in my ability to birth my baby.

“Kelly also expertly facilitated the whole family’s bonding experience - explaining, encouraging and supporting everyone’s hopes and confidence in bringing baby Martino into the world.

“It was so special and beautiful for our daughter to be involved in antenatal appointments in preparation for meeting her sibling and my husband also felt considered and looked after by Kelly.

“Her vast knowledge and kindness helped so much when coping with fluctuating emotions, especially in the early days post birth.

“She helped put me at ease and in charge all at the same time. After the birth, Kelly stayed with us for an unhurried blissful time working her magic and giving us space and precious time to marvel, reflect and most of all bond with our baby boy.

“Kelly has such a broad set of skills & having continuity of care from her was also super stabilising for my mental health. Kelly has a natural gift, is full of warmth, enthusiasm and genuine compassion which manifests in everything she does.”

On winning the award Kelly Sawyer, who works in the Crocus Home Birth team, said: “It’s a real honour and a privilege to have received this award.

“There are so many pressures on midwifery today, particularly in providing continuity of care, but women like Kasia make my job an absolute dream.”

Emma’s Diary, the UK’s essential support resource for mums to be and new parents, received a record 953 nominations from mums across the UK.

All entries were put through a meticulous judging process by a panel of representatives from both Emma’s Diary and the RCM, culminating in seven regional winners.

The RCM’s Annual Awards, now in its 17th year, will be hosted for the first time by popular TV presenter Alex Jones on 5th March 2019.

Kelly will join the six other regional winners at a celebratory ceremony in London, where Kelly will receive her trophy and find out who is crowned the coveted national winner.