West Suffolk Hospital midwife who delivered hundreds of babies retires after 31‘privileged’ years
A midwife who has delivered hundreds of babies across West Suffolk has retired after more than three ‘privileged’ decades of being part of families’ ‘most special’ moments.
Claire Ambrose has supported mums-to-be through their pregnancy for 31 years - the majority of the time as a community midwife at West Suffolk Hospital.
The 55-year-old, of Bradfield Combust , retired at the end of August having delivered about 500 babies throughout her career.
“It’s very strange because being a midwife is part of who you were,” she said. “If you were a stick of rock you would have midwife in the centre of it. It’s weird, it’s like part of your identity has gone.”
Mrs Ambrose joined West Suffolk Hospital in 1984 to train as a staff nurse but she soon realised where her passion lay.
“When you do your general training you do a month in each area,” she said. “As soon as I got into maternity I thought that was home, it was where I wanted to be.”
She qualified as a midwife in 1989 and mainly worked in the community to support women through their pregnancy.
“It was everything I wanted it to be and more - to be in a woman’s own environment and have that bond with them,” she said.
In 1992, she worked in Whitby, in North Yorkshire, where she met her husband Mark and returned to Suffolk with him and West Suffolk Hospital after two years.
Mrs Ambrose has helped women in Thetford , Sudbury and Bury St Edmunds - working for eight years in each area.
“It’s such a precious time in a couple’s life and you’re so privileged to be a part of it,” Mrs Ambrose said.
“It’s the most special time and the most vulnerable time for people.
“A woman never forgets a comment or a look you’ve given them in their pregnancy - they’re so thankful.
“A little card with a comment from them means so much.
“I’ve got a box full of cards and a whole album of photos of mums and their newborns.”
Her colleagues helped deliver her own children Lucy, 20, who is studying drama and theatre studies at Royal Holloway, University of London, and Patrick, 17, a student at St Benedict’s Catholic School, in Bury St Edmunds.
On her last day of work, her colleagues gave her a tiara to wear and, to celebrate her retirement, she organised a party at Hawstead village hall. Mrs Ambrose will use her extra time to take care of her father.
On her fondest memories, she said: “It’s seeing a woman from beginning to end, creating that bond and helping to sort out any issues.
“Midwives are very special people. They’re very passionate and trying to improve everything. I’m in awe of my colleagues, their dedication is incredible and they’re amazing. It’s a lovely career.”
Steve Dunn, chief executive at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Claire has been a true asset to our trust for over 30 years. She’s delivered hundreds of babies in her time, working both in West Suffolk Hospital and the community.
“We would like to wish Claire a very happy retirement. Thank you for your incredible service.”
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