C1 - Stronger Together (Original song by Lucy Mount)

Abstract

Before I studied midwifery, I was doing a music degree in performance. I find music to be my greatest therapy, and a way to express myself. I have written a song which to me, explores the key values and philosophy of midwifery care. It portrays the experience and morals of midwives, women and a career in midwifery. The first part of the song is written from the midwives’ perspective. It is the last few moments of birth, and reveals the pure joy of being a midwife, helping women and being by their side through this miraculous experience. The chorus is created around values of strength, equality and standing together in unison- woman, midwife, and her healthcare team. It also explores the support offered by the midwife, the resilience that they have, the strength that they can share, the love that they pour into their profession all for the women they work alongside. This part of the song encapsulates the true essence of a woman centred care philosophy. I wrote the second part of the song from the woman’s perspective to portray the first few moments with her new baby, the sense of accomplishment, overpowering feeling of love, and gratitude for her midwife. I know that not all birth stories end like this, however it is something that as midwives we strive for, the best outcomes for mothers and babies. The structure of my song, from the different perspectives and being connected through the chorus represents the bond and equality between women and midwives. I also wanted to explore the concept of “professional friend”, as I believe that midwives are more than health care professionals to the women. To provide the best care, we need to dig a little deeper than the medical conditions or the alert sticker. Some of the best results stem from the best care, continuity of care, and making women feel comfortable and safe.