Isle of Wight midwife, Kirsty Arnold, has been named among this year’s top 10 birth workers by the website Birth Becomes You.

She could be named birth worker of the year and will find out if she has won next month (July).

Kirsty was nominated by Ryde mum, Charlotte Pugmire, who gave birth to her daughter, Darcie, in April.

Charlotte was so impressed with the outstanding care and support she received, a thank you was not enough.

She nominated Kirsty because she was: "Incredible during my C-section with Darcie.

"I have never met someone so passionate about their job or profession.

"Kirsty took the time to explain everything to me and my partner, she made sure I wasn’t in any pain, and was just a constant source of support throughout my whole delivery."

Isle of Wight County Press: Mum and dad, Charlotte and Marc Pugmire and Kirsty Arnold, centre, with baby Darcie.Mum and dad, Charlotte and Marc Pugmire and Kirsty Arnold, centre, with baby Darcie. (Image: IW NHS Trust.)

During Charlotte’s pregnancy the midwifery team discovered an extra piece of placenta, which caused a complication.

Kirsty took time to ensure the entire placenta was removed.

Kirsty trained at Bournemouth University and completed her placement at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, before qualifying as a midwife in September 2022.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Also shortlisted are birth workers from Florida, California, Texas and Missouri, in America, and The Netherlands.

Charlotte said: "I really was so in awe of Kirsty.

Kirsty said: "I am thrilled I was able to make Charlotte’s birthing experience such a positive one and it was wonderful to be with the family as Darcie was born."

"I was incredibly unwell during my second pregnancy, however Kirsty was so reassuring and made such a positive impact," Charlotte said.

"My mum was unable to come through to theatre, due to the infection risk, but Kirsty went out of her way to make her feel as included as possible.

"It wasn’t until my delivery they knew Darcie had tied herself into a true - which is when the umbilical cord ties into a tight knot.

"Kirsty was amazing, showing us everything and passing on all her knowledge to us,  explaining what everything was and how it all works - it was incredible!”

Director of Midwifery at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Amanda Pearson said: "We are extremely privileged to have her as part of the team."