ONE of Inverclyde's most striking landmarks was lit up purple to celebrate local midwives who bring babies safely into the world.

Greenock Telegraph:

The Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow sculpture was all lit up for International Day of the Midwife 2023, whichis on Friday.

At Inverclyde Royal Hospital's community midwife unit senior charge midwife Clare Monaghan and colleague Ashley McLellan told the Tele they have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from local people.

Midwife Ashley, also from Greenock, said: "I have been a midwife for 13 years and I have worked in Inverclyde for eight years.

"There have been many amazing moments throughout my career and one of the highlights was when the Tele asked readers which Greenock woman had inspired them the most. 

"A family I supported six years ago named me and it was so lovely to think that I had made such a positive impact on them.

Speaking about her job, she added: "The most rewarding day to day side of my job is being able to work in my home town and provide care for the women of Inverclyde. 

"I get to build relationships with women by providing continuity of care throughout their pregnancy journey and I have supported many women through their first and subsequent pregnancies.

"The team hope to encourage people to consider it as a vocation."

To mark the event there was a day of celebration in Inverclyde Royal both at the entrance foyer and in the unit with hampers donated by local businesses.

Clare, who lives in Greenock, said: "We want to celebrate the community midwife unit and raise awareness of what we do here. 

"We were delighted the sculpture in Port Glasgow was all lit up to support us.

"We want to celebrate International Day of the Midwife to let people know about the community midwife unit and everything that we do here."

The midwife team say they would like to thank Crafty Sew and So in Gourock and Tesco Port Glasgow for their support.