MIDWIFE Vivienne Cutler has been recognised nationally for her unfailing support and devotion to mothers across Swindon and beyond.

Vivienne, 48, who has brought newborns into the world for the past three years at the Great Western Hospital, was named South and Midlands midwife of the year at the Johnson’s Baby Mums’ Midwife of the Year Award 2014.

The 48-year-old, from Calne, was nominated for the honour by Maggie Powick, whom she cared for through a difficult labour and, sadly, the stillbirth of her daughter.

Although delighted to be handpicked by the judging panel out of scores of other professionals across the South, she admitted her unexpected win still felt slightly surreal.

“I still can’t believe I’ve won the award for my region, it seems like a dream,” she said.

“Although it was incredibly sad, I’m glad I was able to be there to help Maggie and her husband through their difficult experience, giving them time to bond with their daughter.

"I supported Maggie and Bob during the delivery of their baby at GWH right up to the time that they went home.

“The care that I provided included both providing information and support which enabled them to make informed decisions to the care of their baby which is important to help build memories and keepsakes of their daughter that they will be able to remember and cherish for the rest of their lives.”

Maggie and Bob’s daughter was stillborn nearly one year ago on January 16, 2013 at GWH’s delivery suite.

Their distress and unspeakable grief was somewhat eased by Vivienne’s compassion and encouragements.

“Having to go through a long labour after the loss of a baby will never leave you as a mother,” said the 44-year-old from Hungerford, West Berkshire.

“The midwives in the delivery suite were fantastic but Vivienne was just simply the best.

“Vivienne was with me throughout my labour and was assigned to me every day of my stay and ensured my husband was looked after too and nothing was too much of a bother.

“Viv put my husband and I at ease, and also gave us the choice to spend time with our daughter which we did for a day and a half.

“She helped my husband bathe our daughter as I couldn't do it due to having a spinal anaesthetic and put our daughter on me so we both could dress her.

She was good at explaining the choices we had with our daughter.

“Any questions we had, she was able to answer and, if not, ensured someone would. She made our distressing situation as positive as she could have possibly done in the circumstances, we would have no one else but Vivienne to deliver our next child.”

Vivienne will receive her trophy at The Royal College of Midwives Annual Midwifery Awards on January 22, during which a national winner will be announced.