Sir, - I read with amazement the letter from Marian Dunphy (June 14th). From her comments I can only assume that she has never given birth with the assistance of a midwife. The fact that midwives are thanked by their first names in newspaper birth announcements should convey the feeling of friendship and closeness that is forged between a mother and the midwife during labour, not any kind of "secondary status".
I have great respect for the consultant who looked after me very well during the pregnancy and birth of my son, but I will never forget the support, encouragement and help given to me by Helen, the midwife who was with me during labour and the birth. Oh, and for the sake of Marian, Helen's surname is Galvin. - Yours, etc.,
Sharon O'Sullivan, Malahide, Co Dublin.