My Story

I'm Valentina, mother of Ettore and Vittorio.

In December 2022 and February 2025, I gave birth to my two amazing boys — one by caesarean section and one through vaginal birth. Both experiences showed me just how extraordinary midwives are.

Throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum, midwives supported, empowered and guided me with skill, compassion and dedication. I truly could not have done it without them.

This is also deeply connected to my professional work supporting midwives in low-income settings, where their vital contributions are often under-recognised despite the life-saving role they play every day.

I’m running to support The Iolanthe Midwifery Trust because midwives deserve greater recognition, stronger professional support and equal opportunities alongside other clinicians.

If you’re able, please consider donating. Every contribution helps invest in midwives — and in better birth experiences for women and babies everywhere.

Thank you for your support. 💛