The award, sponsored by Emma's Diary is one of The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Annual Midwifery Awards, recognising the incredible work done by exceptional midwives across the country.
Clair Cobbold, who has epilepsy, nominated Kim. She said: “I am so glad Kim won, she's incredible and doesn't realise how amazing she is so this is a great way to acknowledge all she has done for us and other women with epilepsy. Thanks to Kim’s guidance and giving us the reassurance and confidence we needed, I had an amazing experience when giving birth to my little boy Benjamin.
On winning the award, Kim says: “I feel so honoured. It means so much to me and the service I provide for such a courageous group of women. Wanting to be a voice for these women has helped me dedicate and continue my professional development over the last 16 years and it is through listening, absorbing and reflecting on their experiences that I am able to help them take control of their condition.”
During her first pregnancy, Clair, who lives in Surrey, was given very little support and advice and subsequently experienced a traumatic labour resulting in both Clair and her husband suffering post-traumatic stress.
Whilst they were blessed with a healthy little girl the idea of going through it all again was terrifying. Everything changed when they met Kim. As the only epilepsy specialist midwife in England they travelled to regularly see Kim at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester. Clair added: “Epilepsy is just so complex from before getting pregnant, during pregnancy and then after birth - both in caring for the baby and contraception. Kim is with you throughout the whole journey and her knowledge is incredible.”
Kim will join the six other regional winners at the RCM’s Annual Awards on 8 March, where she will collect her trophy and find out who will be crowned the overall national winner.