Meet the midwife: Gabriella Ray
Gabriella Ray, senior midwife and team leader for the midwifery-led care pathway at the Lindo Wing, shares her thoughts on empowering families and the importance of collaboration to create a truly supportive pregnancy and birth experience.
What inspired you to become a midwife?
I've been a qualified midwife for seven years. After graduation, I worked at a hospital outside of London for a few years to find my feet and learn the world of midwifery. I've worked in all areas including; labour wards, birth centres, antenatal and postnatal wards, community outreach and homebirths.
After working at my first hospital, I took a short break and went traveling around Australia. I gained lots of life skills I never imagined I would and even had the great pleasure of delivering calves in the outback whilst working on a cattle ranch. It was an inspiring experience and affirmed midwifery was the right direction for my career.
How do you approach caring for families on the midwifery-led care pathway?
As you will probably realise, this is my passion! But this isn't about me, it's about you. Everyone's wants out of their experience are personal and individual. Whatever it is, I thrive in meeting your expectations and creating a safe space for you to give birth.As midwives we understand pregnancy isn't just about medical procedures but also taking a holistic approach to your emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. We actively practice hypnobirthing, aromatherapy, massage, water or movement in relieving birth pain and advocate listening to your body and your baby as you work in unison towards that all important birth day and beyond.
At my current role, I also have the privilege of working with experts in their fields. As a workforce we are a tight-knit group who work collaboratively and show kindness, which from my experience are two important elements to ensure a productive and well-functioning unit.
Are there any birthing myths that you talk about with families considering midwifery-led care?
Old wives tales can often be the saying used for some myths in midwifery. One that comes to mind is, if you have small feet your pelvis will not be big enough to give birth to a baby and there is absolutely no evidence of this. My all-time favorite myth in midwifery more generally is if you hold your newborn baby too much you will ‘spoil’ them or ‘make a rod for your own back and they will never go down!’. Again, no evidence for this. In fact, the evidence says the opposite, holding your baby close and responding to their needs helps to build a happy, confident and independent baby!Can you recall a memorable experience you’ve had in your career so far?
I've been lucky to work in many hospitals and all areas of midwifery gaining valuable skills and knowledge working in labour wards and clinics, as well as supporting home births and community midwifery roles.I love getting to know the families I care for and providing education as well as a calm and safe space to help you build confidence all the way from your first midwife appointment until the moment you welcome your new arrival. The journey doesn’t end there; we also work closely with you to navigate the early days of parenthood. I believe every family is uniquely individual and deserves that quality, expert time.
