Penarth midwife hailed "one-of-a-kind mum" (From Penarth Times)

Penarth midwife hailed "one-of-a-kind mum"

11:22am Thursday 1st November 2012 in News By Robert James Owen

THE family of a Penarth midwife have paid tribute to a "one-of-a-kind mum" who has delivered all of her grandchildren since she qualified.
Jude Beard has been present at the birth of each of her three daughters eight children, and been the midwife for all, bar the eldest, herself.
The first baby she ever delivered was her granddaughter, Emily, now 8, who was born on October 18 2004 - her first day on the job.
Since then, High Street resident Jude - who lives with husband, Alex - has been the midwife for Oliver, 7, who was born by caesarean, and delivered Max, 5, Charlie and Alex, born seven weeks apart in 2008, and Billy, 2.
Five months ago she also delivered her niece's little girl, Isabelle.
And on August 21, she delivered her newest granddaughter, Annie.
Her daughter, Amy, mum to Max, Alex and Annie, said it made each experience all the more special.
"In an ideal world everyone would have their mum deliver their babies," said Amy, 28.
"Ask any woman and I'm sure they would choose their mum to be the one  to look after them.
"Luckily for me and my sisters we have a mum who is able to do that.
"She was amazing throughout each of my three labours and I wouldn't have wanted anyone else."
Amy's twin, Lisa, mum to 10-year-old Jac, Emily, Charlie and Billie, said her mum must have delivered hundreds of local babies in her time with Cardiff and Vale NHS.
"It's just amazing what she does and the way she touches so many people's lives," said Lisa who lives with husband Wayne and their children in Cosmeston.
"Each of us has got to share these experiences with her and they will stay for us forever. But she does that for countless women and families every day.
"It's just incredible when you stop to think about it.
"For me I know it was a much less daunting experience having her there, and rather than dreading it I quite looked forward to the birth because I knew I would be in safe hands.
"I 'eldest daughter, Leigh - Ollie's mum - said: "She's a one-of-a-kind mum for sure! And she always jokes that each one will be the last she delivers because of the added stress of watching a loved one go through labour, but we all know that if we asked her she would do it again in a heartbeat."
Jude's niece, April Coombs said: "Through pregnancy to delivery she was my rock. It was an unforgettable experience made all the more magical for having her there."
And staff nurse Amy added: "We are all very fortunate. Whenever one of us was admitted and the other midwives and nurses heard mum was delivering they would say we were lucky because she is one of the best they have. She is like a sister and best friend to us all, as well as being our mum. We are so proud of her."