Natasha – volunteer for the Leeds Maternity Voices Partnership

My name is Natasha and I’m a mum of two amazing children who inspire me every day. I have a great family unit with my husband, son and daughter, with a very busy and fun work life balance. With their support and around their routine, I’m able to take part in lots of community projects and volunteering which I’m really proud of. I’m very passionate about promoting awareness of all the amazing opportunities available for women and girls. I joined the Leeds Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) in the hope of being a voice for others, and to make some more positive changes with our maternity services for diverse families in the community, especially those who maybe harder to reach in underrepresented areas and from BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) backgrounds.

My very first group meeting with ladies from MVP was an amazing and powerful experience. To just listen and hear each other’s maternity stories and our journey’s so far.

I was also so honoured and happy to be part of the first ever Leeds MVP ‘Walking the Patch’ on the postnatal ward at St James’s University Hospital. We were able to have a walk around the wards and meet lots of parents, to listen and gain direct feedback about their birthing experiences. After the walk around we attended the hospital team leaders meeting to feedback our findings. A lovely bonus was getting to see so many beautiful and precious new born babies – it was a perfect morning.

I’m really enjoying being part of the Leeds MVP and looking forward to being part of the MVP journey going forward, getting to know the group members and meeting many more mum’s in the community.