A MIDWIFE'S dedication and humour through a difficult birth has seen her efforts rewarded with a regional honour.

Hannah Munns nominated Tina Grantham after the midwife spent 12 hours by her side when her daughter Olive was delivered by caesarean section.

The mother-to-be was rushed into surgery as her condition deteriorated after being diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at 35-weeks pregnant.

The mother said: "I was in total shock when I was told I had symptoms of pre-eclampsia. I was so worried for my unborn daughter and the concerns and complications of her being born too early.

"Tina made sure I understood what was happening, kept myself and my husband calm, not leaving my side whilst I was being prepared for theatre and even during the surgery. At every opportunity Tina took the time to explain what was happening.

“The moment my daughter was delivered, Tina reassured me once again that she was healthy, had huge amounts of hair and was a great size for a baby that had been born five weeks early, weighing 6lb 8ozs’.

"Whilst I was in surgery post birth, Tina had to give my daughter a bottle due to the length of time I was in theatre. This was something we had discussed and I was happy with, but when I was finally in the high dependency unit, Tina helped my daughter latch on and supported me at the start of my breastfeeding journey.

“Tina stayed with us for hours, ensuring both myself and my baby were looked after. She never left my side throughout her whole 12 hour shift. I was so impressed with Tina; her humour and calm and reassuring nature made our difficult birthing experience so much more bearable. I will never forget Tina or what she did for us that day.”

Ms Grantham, who works for County Durham and Darlington Trust, said: “I was very surprised and honoured to have been nominated by Hannah for this award. After reading Hannah's nomination, despite complications within her pregnancy and delivery, I am so pleased the care I provided has had a positive impact towards her journey into motherhood. It was a pleasure to contribute to Hannah's overall experience.”

As a result, the midwife has been honoured as Emma’s Diary Mums’ Midwife of the Year 2019 for the North of England region.

In March, she will join the six other regional winners in London, where she could be crowned the national winner.