Reflections of a midwife: Paris Pinnock-Cowell

What does being a midwife mean to you?

Being a midwife, to me, is a real privilege, and it fills me with a huge sense of pride. Each year, I feel like I understand it a little more, not just the clinical side, but what it means to be part of such a significant time in someone’s life. I genuinely enjoy what I do and care deeply about the people we support, recognising that maternity services are used by a diverse range of people. The perinatal period is complex, it’s about identity, relationships, and navigating change and as midwives, we’re right at the centre of that. Whether it’s a small moment of reassurance or helping someone access the right support, the impact we can have is huge. For me, it’s about being able to support people in a world that isn’t always designed for them, and trying, in whatever way I can, to make that experience feel safer, more compassionate, and more human.

Can you share a moment or aspect of your role that makes you proud?

I feel proud every day to work alongside colleagues who are so passionate about what they do. In my role, I work closely with midwives across mental health, infant feeding, pelvic health, diabetes and smoking cessation; specialists who are bridging gaps and improving the experience women have. That same passion and commitment runs right across midwifery, and it’s something I see every day. A big part of my role is supporting and championing this work, particularly across public health and prevention, and helping to connect it so it really makes a difference. We don’t just want women to get through pregnancy, we want them to thrive. Being able to support these teams and see the impact they have on women’s lives is something I’m really proud of.

How do the professional standards you work to influence the care you provide?

For me, putting women at the centre of everything we do is really important, and that links closely to prioritising people. It’s not just about individual interactions, but about how we design services as a whole. I’m always thinking about whether what we’ve put in place genuinely works for women, or whether it’s been shaped more around the system. It’s about making sure care feels personalised, accessible and safe, particularly for women who might not traditionally engage with services.

Alongside that, respect and compassion at every level links to promoting professionalism and trust. I see that as being just as important for staff as it is for women, because the culture we create directly impacts the care that’s delivered. I try to role model kindness, challenge where things don’t feel right, and create an environment where people feel safe to speak up and be themselves.

Other recent news…