Mums who gave birth at Hamilton Base Hospital have successfully nominated Helen Van Dooren as Victorian Midwife of the Year for 2005.

Ms Van Dooren, who has been a midwife for 30 years, received her award from Sue Thornton, representing award sponsors Johnson and Johnson.

Western District Health Service hosted the official presentation in the Midwifery Unit at Hamilton Base Hospital where Ms Van Dooren was joined by work colleagues and family.

The Victorian Midwife of the Year Award recognises the valuable contribution midwives make towards motherhood.

Ms Thornton said it was judged on the totality of care, advice and guidance a midwife had provided in the care of a woman before, during and after the birth of her baby.

Australian College of Midwives Executive Officer Barbara Vernon said most practising midwives loved working with women and babies and they did not expect, or even want, a public fuss about what they did.

But the award gave new mothers the opportunity to say thank you publicly to their midwives for the care they have received, Dr Vernon said.

Ms Van Dooren said every birth was special.

'It is an emotional feeling to help a new baby into the world with a healthy, happy mother.

'You never get blase about it.'

Ms Van Dooren said over the past 30 years she had felt privileged to be a midwife to mothers in Hamilton, as she believed working as a midwife in the country allowed her the opportunity to build a special bond with mothers and their babies.

She said she has recently helped deliver a second generation of babies—to women she delivered years ago.

'They are just starting to come through now and that has been a great experience—to see the mothers with their daughters now having babies.'

Ms Van Dooren has also found new enjoyment in her career as a clinical teacher to graduates and student midwives.

'I really enjoy that side if it—to be a midwife you really train on the job.

'Tertiary education is excellent but you also need hands on experience for it to all come together.'

New mother and one of Ms Van Dooren's nominees, Roslyn Rentsch, said she was thrilled to hear of the win.

'Helen was so supportive and created such a caring environment to guide me through the experience,' Ms Rentsch said.