A city superwoman who gave birth on the strength of ‘girl power’ and warm water has entered a hero themed fundraiser to raise cash for a major Sheffield Hospitals Charity appeal. 

Kim Martlew, aged 31, from Mosborough, was overwhelmed by the positive experience she had giving birth to second child Edwin in a birthing pool at the city's Jessop Wing. 

That's why she made a Mother's Day pledge to enter the Jessops Superhero event alongside husband Andy and her toddler sons in a bid to help even more women benefit from the soothing properties of water during labour.

Kim said: “When I look back on my first labour with my eldest son, Jacob, I thought I was prepared.  Even though I had taken part in antenatal classes I spent a lot of the birth tense and anxious between contractions, so tired myself out early on. The longer my labour went on the more tired I became and just mentally felt like I couldn’t do it.

“Edwin’s labour was so much different. As my contractions intensified the tens machine was less effective, but as soon as I got in the pool I was amazed at how much the water took the pain away.

“It was such a relief and a massive mental win – I felt like I could do this. The water supported my weight and I felt comfortable and relaxed. I could move freely and try different positions with ease. This meant I was in control.

“It gave me somewhere to be, something to do. I wasn’t tense. The water just made it a totally different ball game. Shortly after giving birth to Jacob I remember thinking, if I have another child I will just go straight to an epidural. But the pool changed that and I did it. Edwin was a bigger baby but I delivered him naturally. I wanted to feel proud of this birth and I did.

“I am so grateful for the fantastic care I have received at Jessop Wing, for the birth of both my sons. On seeing the campaign for the Birthing Pool Appeal I wondered how I could help. I'm a regular Sheffield mum so can’t make any big lump sum donations but it did get me thinking, what if I put myself out there to get all the families in Sheffield involved. What an amazing way for women to support women and mums to help mums.”

Sheffield Hospitals Charity’s Birthing Pool Appeal aims to raise £300,000 in response to a growing number of mums-to-be who are choosing water as their primary pain relief when giving birth.

The appeal aims to fund the development of three new cutting edge birthing pool rooms, made complete with fully accessible ergonomic pools, sympathetic décor and dimmable LED lighting to help give parents the most relaxing experience possible.

“I would love for other mums to experience the pool during labour. Jessops Superheroes is a great way for us all to get involved in raising funds for the appeal. I love the thought that a lot of people can do a little as a team effort for the other mums-to-be of Sheffield,” Kim added.

Jessops Superheroes (formally Jessops Buggy Push), sponsored by Dutton International, is a 2.5k family walk which takes place on Sunday 10 June 2018 at Graves Park at 10.30am. There is a £15 minimum sponsorship for all who take part. All who take part will be given a free superhero bib or cape.

For more information, or to register, visit www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/superheroes email [email protected] or call 0114 226 7351.