Richard Madeley seemed to be grappling with his emotions during a heartfelt conversation with Pride of Britain winner Agnes Nisbett.
Agnes was awarded the Community Pride of Britain for her significant contributions as a midwife and for being an influential force in transforming the UK’s perception of stillbirths and the treatment of both mother and baby.
In a discussion with Good Morning Britain hosts Susanna Reid and Richard about her recent accolade, Agnes maintained a modest demeanour, emphasising that there is still a great deal of work to be done in supporting bereaved mothers.
Curious about why she had dedicated her life to altering this process, Richard questioned Agnes about her reasons for being so fervent about the cause, both professionally and personally. However, he seemed visibly distressed during the questioning.
Moved, the award-winner replied to Richard, revealing that she had experienced the loss of a child herself. A son, whom she had named John, reports the Mirror.
She recounted how in the 70s, when giving birth to a stillborn child, midwives would simply “wrap the baby up in a green blanket and whisk them off.”
During that era, mothers were not even afforded the opportunity to catch a brief glimpse of their babies; they were merely disregarded without any thought for the grieving process. Fortunately, due to Agnes’ profession as a midwife, she was permitted to hold John for a short period before he was taken away.
After the tragic stillbirth of her third child, when traditional norms would have swept the event silently aside, Agnes implored, “can I see him please?” Grudgingly, she was allowed a fleeting five minutes with baby John, an exception of the times.
Reflecting on the heartbreaking experience, she confided in Richard, “The only memories I have of my son are up here [she pointed to her head]. His memory is stored up here.”
She noted the absence of mementos: “I didn’t get a picture or a footprint, I didn’t get anything.”
Despite her grief, Agnes harnessed her professional “power at work” to institute change. Her determination was not in vain; today, she’s heralded for her influential contributions.
Times have evolved, and mothers now receive more than just hurried goodbyes, benefiting from cold rooms to be with their children and extended support. Nevertheless, Agnes stands firm on this evolution not being enough.
In deep conversation with Richard, Agnes outlined the dire need for empathy and assistance beyond formalities, stating, “Mum’s need support to grieve, not just a list of email addresses of people to contact. In my experience, I had two other children, I had to get on without any support, I had to be mum for them.”