Midwife Judi Slankard has helped Hutt Valley mothers bring over 1000 new babies into the world. The quality of her work has led to her being awarded this year’s Liz Brunton Award from the New Zealand College of Midwives, Wellington region.
Judi has been a midwife working with in the Hutt Valley community for over 20 years. “To be honoured by one’s peers is a high accolade and winning this award has made me feel both humble and proud.”
The regional award is named in memory of Wellington midwife Liz Brunton who was known for her excellence and passion as a midwife and compassionate carer of women and their families. It is awarded to midwives who primarily work in the primary health, community setting.
Judi says she has been supported in her midwifery practice by amazing colleagues. “They have challenged and supported me professionally, emotionally, physically and spiritually throughout my career. Without these women I would not have been able to practice according to my philosophy.”
Karen Wakelin, Associate Clinical Midwifery Manager, Birthing Suite, Hutt Valley District Health Board, says she is thrilled that a local midwife has once again been successful winning the regional award. A midwife from the Hutt Valley also won the award for 2014.
“It reflects the expertise that our local midwives are bringing to the community and we are very proud of Judi’s achievement.” This year the DHB also awarded Maggie Macris and Claire Stinson with a certificate for outstanding midwifery practice.
Judi believes a successful midwife must base their practice on evidence, research and best practice. “My philosophy is centred on women and based on a belief in a woman’s ability to give birth without intervention in an
environment of safety, respect, privacy and love. Every woman should feel empowered regardless of the mode of birth.
“I feel privileged to have been a part of so many women’s families over this wondrous and often transformative period of their lives. We have loved, laughed, learnt and at times wept through the pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal process. My work has impacted positively on all aspects of my life”
