The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with BSUH patient Morgan, left, and midwife Mitch Denny, right
A BSUH midwife has received royal recognition for supporting a patient with a history of mental illness during her teenage pregnancy.
Mitch Denny, a midwife at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Morgan, a patient and local resident, have today met with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as Prince Harry, in connection with World Mental Health Day.
The young royals have recently launched ‘Heads Together’, an initiative to tackle mental health, and have marked World Mental Health Day with an exclusive event at the London Eye, meeting with those who have struggled with mental health issues and those who have supported people through the associated challenges.
Morgan explains that when she learnt she was expecting a baby, she was nervous about disclosing she had previously suffered with mental illness but knew it could be affected by her pregnancy.
“I was worried I might not be allowed to have my baby and that I wouldn’t be a good mum. When I met my midwife Mitch Denny, she immediately made me feel at ease and I was happy to share my anxieties with her.
“Mitch and the team were brilliant and really took the time to make sure I understood the importance of looking after myself – keeping healthy not just for my body, but also for my mind. Even after my daughter was born, I always felt like Mitch was interested in my welfare. She kept an eye on me and drew in the support of the perinatal health team. Mitch was there to help keep me on track so I’m now able to be the best mother I can be.
“I would like to thank my midwife Mitch Denny, not just for her support, but also for inspiring me. It was this support from Mitch which inspired me to become a midwife myself.”
Mitch adds: “Amazingly, Morgan’s come full circle from receiving midwifery care at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust to now undertaking a course to deliver this very care herself. She’s done so much to share her experiences around mental health during pregnancy. That’s a very brave thing and it’s a real honour to be with her and baby Luna to celebrate World Mental Health Day.
“This is all about breaking down any stigma’s that might exist, normalising mental health issues rather than labelling or pigeon holing people and teaming together to support those who may be going through difficult times. Morgan has been and continues to be a true inspiration.
“If you are experiencing mental health issues, speak with your GP, your doctor or midwife and draw in support from friends and family. You do not have to feel alone and you are absolutely not alone.
“Treating each patient as an individual is at the core of what we do at BSUH. This way, we can deliver a tailored approach that’s personalised and relevant for each patient, recognising that one size does not fit all.”
