Kate Marston - Chair
I trained with Nurturing Birth in Ante-natal and Post-natal doula-ing and subsequently have attended many births in the home, hospital and birthing centre environments. I have been an active member of the Sheffield Maternity Forum since 2007, taking over as Chair in June 2010
I have hosted a number of Home Birth Group sessions in my own home and often network pregnant women to new mums seeking support and information in preparation for their own home births. I am mother to one daughter, born in 2006 by instrumental delivery. Having planned a home birth I experienced initial disappointment and anxiety at having to transfer, however, my own experience of childbirth has formed my impression of labour and delivery and been an important aspect in my personal development as a doula.
Maureen Leach
I am a mother of four and a grandmother of 10! I am a retired Nurse and Midwife. My interest in improvements to Sheffield Maternity Services started after a bad experience during the birth of my fourth child at the old Jessop Hospital, where I spent 9 days in hospital and received no support whatsoever for breastfeeding. I now campaign locally and nationally for breastfeeding awareness and I am involved in the fundraising for Wellbeing for Women.
Arwa Rasea
I became involved with Sheffield Maternity forum shortly before the end 2008. I’m also a member of the infection control team at NHS Sheffield. I have a Degree in Medical Laboratoris from Yemen, I have a Research Masters Degree in Clinical & Chemical Pathology for Adhesion Molecules in Haematological Disorders from Cairo University. More recently I have trained as and volunteer with the Breastfeeding Peer Supporters
Lucy Atkinson
I became involved with Sheffield Maternity Forum in 2008 after the birth of my baby. I am also a member of Sheffield MSLC and Antenatal Forum, and am a HypnoBirth® Practitioner. I regularly take the minutes at Forum meetings and I have just welcomed the fourth addition to my family!
Betty Gelsthorpe
I am mother to two grown-up children; a lawyer and an NHS Consultant. I am a qualified Nurse and subsequently worked for 20 years as Health Visitor, covering all areas of Sheffield. I am the Chair of the Wellbeing for Women group in Sheffield.
Claire Knott
I have two beautiful children, with a third on the way. I joined the Maternity Forum in my professional capacity as a Breastfeeding Support Worker for Action for Children. My particular interests include child nutrition and campaigning for better support for breastfeeding mothers. I am trained in developmental baby massage.