In her role Sharon helps dozens of mothers and babies each week in one of the city's most varied communities.

Her aim is to provide care for all women during pregnancy, labour, and the weeks following the birth. She is on hand to deliver babies at home and support women throughout their pregnancy.

Sharon explains that the city centre has a very transient community with many migrant workers, students and the travelling community based at Leighton Street in the city.

Each community brings with it its own customs and Sharon is always keen to learn about the ways things are done in other cultures.

Community midwives are often the first point of contact for women who are pregnant and it is their job to ensure women have access to the services they need.

They face difficult issues such as domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse and child protection issues. These midwives can often be the first to pick up on difficulties within the family.

However, Sharon, who specialises in working with women with substance misuse problems, says even when a pregnancy is not planned it is usually wanted and it is her job to try to secure the best possible outcome for mother and baby.

The latest figures reveal 126 babies born to drug-dependent mothers in Lancashire and Cumbria in 2005/2006 with seven babies displaying symptoms of drug withdrawal after the mother has continued to use drugs throughout the pregnancy.

Sharon says: "I think you can't begin to support someone if you don't understand why they're doing it.

"I haven't come across a lot of people using drugs just recently but it really helps to understand why they are using drugs. You need a bit of background to understand what has happened and know how to support mothers."

Midwives are constantly updating their skills and expertise and Sharon says there have been many changes in practice since she began her training in Sheffield in 1981.

Research into sleeping position and temperature control have led to a change in the advice given to new mothers and a reduction in the rates of cot death.

For the vast majority of women the outcome is a happy and healthy mother and baby and Sharon says: "I love my job because, for most people, it is such a special time.

"Being able to support a woman throughout the pregnancy and after the birth is a really special part of the job and in such a close-knit community you do get to know faces and families."