Call the Midwife and Normal Birth

Watching Call the Midwife on TV on a Sunday evening I feel totally overwhelmed and on the verge of tears with many of the scenes. How proud I am to be part of the midwifery profession when I watch Jenny and her friends at work. I can see young Jennifer as she grows to understand how special her job is and the complexities of life. The poverty, abuse and hopelessness some of the women in her care cope with on a daily basis is shocking and almost repulsive to her at first, but then she learns to admire and love the same women for being 'heroes'. What a fine message to us all. I am imagine most of the viewers of the programme (of which there are many) will feel the same shock horror at some of the situations and environments the midwives find themselves in. But as a modern day midwife, I know not much has changed. Yes indeed, in 2012 the poverty, abuse and hopelessness remains the same in for many women, and for some circumstances are far worse than in the 1950s. They are just better hidden. I would need another page to detail what I mean.

The programme does justice to the challenging but exhilarating and rewarding work of midwives, and childbearing women appear to 'get on with it'! It is refreshing to see women believing in themselves as having the ability and strength to birth their babies, and it was normal for the event to happen at home. For those of us who have witnessed the utter joy of childbirth both from a mother's and midwife's perspective, the programme helps to re-affirm the wonders of women. 

Babies were mostly born at home in the 1950's as there weren't enough hospital beds and birth was firmly part of the community. And now the pendulum has swung the other way, with a constant quest to reduce intervention in maternity care and promote ‘normal’ birth. The debate is clear and the pressure is on. And the situation in the UK isn’t as grave as elsewhere….

On the other side of the world where my lovely son Tom is travelling and where my niece Claire practises as a midwife, there are deeper concerns that are influenced by private obstetric practice. This is Australia, and Hannah Dahlen gives her stance on the problem.  This crisis is replicated in other developed countries and is shocking.

So as I keep my mind on becoming the Chair of the Campaign for Normal Birth at the Royal College of Midwives, I will be thankful for the NHS and for my passionate midwifery colleagues, and will remember Jennifer Worth’s midwifery days  always.

27,000 copies, an engagement and an award....

There has been a huge amount of activity since NYE in Edinburgh. A bit much really (my bits anyway)....which sounds ungrateful and a bit of a cliche, but working for the NHS for 35 years has bound to have an effect.

So here's the news:

A couple of months ago I recieved a letter from the Cabinet Office...'The Prime Minister would like to submit your name to the Queen....' My reaction was dramatic. I was always the one who nominated others...this couldn't be true. And although Paul would argue to the contrary, I never feel like I am doing anything different to so many others. So this was a huge shock....The revelation of who nominated me came shortly afterwards, and then there was a lot of excitement. But I was sworn to secrecy! Then, the day before New Years Eve in 2011, I recieved a call from the Lancashire Evening Telegraph whilst shopping in John Lewis, in the Scottish city. 'What do you think of recieving such an honour?' Robert asked me. Oh dear.....the cat was out of the bag.

The Times gave the details of the honours list, and there it was, my name. Then the celebrations began with my sisters and their husbands, and special friends Frank and Lynne. A week later I am still overawed. I still don't feel worthy and I can't tell my friends even, so some of them don't know...even though the local press have been proactive. The FRONT PAGE OF THE CLITHEROE ADVERTISER  made sure the local got the message, and the ROYAL COLLEGE OF MIDWIVES informed the midwives....same photo! Oh dear... 

And Anna and Garry got engaged! This phone call promoted a repeat of the celebrations on New Years day; we were all thrilled. Apparently Gazzer used a ring from a cracker to propose, and after the real ring was purchased Anna sent me photos of the two exhibits to see if I could tell which was the real one. I didn't dare. Congratulations to the special couple!

And my book is selling like hot cakes, on the 5th January just 42 days after publication, the sales figure reached 27,136! Unimaginable. I NEVER expected such a response, not in my wildest dreams. But more than the number of books sold is the response from readers. I recieve at least 4-5 contacts every day either by direct email, Twitter or Facebook and of course the odd snail mail! The messages are so charged with emotion for different reasons, and it makes me feel that the whole excercise has been worthwhile. I have had a visit from Joan, a local woman who turned up on my doorstep. Over a cup of tea in my kitchen she told me how she'd seen my book advertised in a Weight Watchers magazine, and bought it. Then her daughter who was holidaying in Australia emailed her and attached a photograph of herself and her little family by the Opera House in Sydney. She explained to her Mum that the photo had been taken by an English woman was passing by, who was in Sydney as she was speaking at a midwifery conference. That was me. I had told the young woman after photographing her that I lived in Whalley, and as her Mum did too we bagan share other things that we had in common. So Jean put two and two together, looked me up in the phone book and came to call..... It's been an adventure every day. Charlotte Ward, I never expected it to be like this at all....

Between the years

We arrived at No1 Grovesnor Cresent Edinburgh around 4pm yesterday, and really had a glimpse of future living. My nephew's company's luxury apartment is spectacularly decked out...and as we marvelled at the place that is to be our living quarters for the next week, we had to fathom out how to survive. The light switches baffled us beyond belief even though the instructions had been given to my sister....'double click the pad twice'...which pad? There seems to be several in each room that stay illuminated all night, which does aid visibility but hinders sleep! Basic actions like switching a light on and off needs serious concentration and patience....I consider myself quite 'techy' but the computerised control panel on the living room wall (which incidentally appears to provide a weather forcast and access to emails!!) is of Star Wars standard. Whilst the men searched for a home for the car, we decided on a cuppa..but another challenge lay ahead...the kettle didn't fit under the tap? The correct tap was discovered later. 'Finding the Cutlery Drawer' was the next game and lasted 10 minutes....we has no clues! Then my nephew telephoned and we recounted our trials with lots of laughter. 'Have you seen the extractor fan for the hob?' he enquiried. He talked me through it. A panel to the rear of the appliance was identified and the appropriate button pressed, and like a rising submarine the fan emerged from the work surface (as I looked at the ceiling above)....although it could've been mistaken for a flat screen TV! So, between 2011 and 2012 we are introduced to a new age...a sign of things to come.

Acorn Steiner and Archie

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Archie and I have been going to the lovely Acorn Steiner group at Withgill House, and Olivia too. Each week I become more and more convinced that their approach to child nurturing and education is superior and so easy to comprehend. In fact, when I spend a morning there I feel nurtured too...almost like therapy. I love it. This week Sheila Clarkson baked Christmas cakes with the children, and parents/grandparents.  The children participated and witnessed the cake mixture growing and forming....perfect.  

Sunday Times Top Ten Paperbacks

Catching Babies is Number 5!

Twitter at it's best

I received a 'tweet' from Emma, lovely Emma who I met and cared for many years when I worked in the Ribble Valley as a community midwife. She mentioned that she had written a review of my book for her blog, and posted a link . Wonderful….I am delighted to be in touch once more. Good one, Twitter!

Scrapbook ideas....

How funny that Tesco chose my book for their poster! Found on their book website...for now, anyway. Just been writing a few thank you's for tonight. Why have I drawn so much attention to myself? 

Sinterklaas in Holland

Quentin's celebration at school...something so different in Holland! We really must go and be with them at this time of year...the tradition dates back to medieval times and is so interesting! Sinterklaas is assisted by many mischievous helpers with black faces and colourful Moorish dresses. These helpers are called 'Zwarte Pieten' (Black Petes). Quentin is dressed as Sinterklaas (St Nicholas) here; what a star!

A review

It was strange to read a book review in the Blackpool Gazette, when my cousin forwarded it to me by email. Interesting to read another's interpretation, although most of it was OK. I am enjoying reading comments on my book blog, as most are reasurringly positive. But then the negative opinions won't necessarily be 'blogged' will they? I am preparing a short talk for Friday night, and planning the food too. I have really and truly drawn attention to myself.....*worry*.

Archie is 2!

Can't believe you are two years old little man, it's gone so fast. Haven't we had fun! And your party to celebrate was a special one, your mummy made you a fab cake and some cup cakes and a special tea....
Aunty Eileen, Francesca, Baby Flo, Aunty Anne, Uncle Peter (and it was his birthday too!!) Frank, Seamus and me and Grandad had fun spending time with you and seeing you playing with your new train set. You LOVED the candle blowing and the songs! Hurray!

Happy Birthday sweet boy, we love you so much x

Radio 4 Midweek

Just finished interesting interview about my book. The best bit was meeting the fabulous co guests... Inspirational

Catching Babies released in two days!

I have told my story of my life as a girl, woman, midwife, mother, wife, sister and friend in my memoirs 'Catching Babies'. Excitment is building as I imagine eyes scanning the pages and taking in the words I spoke or wrote with Charlotte Ward. 

I am sat in Melia White House Hotel, London. I feel a little apprehensive as I contemplate the Radio 4 Midweek Programme that I am participating in tomorrow morning. Lots of action this week....Catching Babies was released for  'Handpicked to warm your heart' promotion in Tesco, and is moving up the ranking on Amazon. 

I hope Kathleen and Jim are watching.

The long haul and home sweet home!

My thoughts as i peered through the porthole window of the Ethiad plane to witness this spectacular sunrise over Abu Dhabi were bitter sweet; the overwhelming tiredness after 18 hours in confinement dulled the pleasure. Grace and Rob would probably be asleep as it was still very early, Three hours in the airport before leaving for Manchester was tolerable due to the free wifi ( a rarety in Oz!) and I am ashamed to say a meal from McDonalds. Not our finest choice...but the service was incredible!! 'Yes Ma'am the smiling girl asked ' Can I get you something?' My pleasure must have been noticed as I beamed back and asked for extra fries.... The care and attention kind of made up for the guilt and self loathing for eating such food, and I actually enjoyed it.....
Back on the treadmill for the last leg. Eight more hours to Manchester. Weary. The pull was great though: we were going to see our little men (Archie and Seamus) and daughters soon. Minnie and Quentin in Holland always pop into my mind and oh my, do I wish they were waiting to see us too!
We almost fell through the sliding exit doors at departures, and Frank's face beamed...not usual for us to have a loved one waiting and this was a TREAT! Kisses, hugs, kisses. Coming home is always strange, but lovely Olivia was waiting with Seamus and Archie...a roaring fire and some homemade soup....SO appreciated! The boys were hyper... and their smiles and little hugging arms made the long haul worthwhile. Thanks so much Oliva; it was a special homecoming. Exhaustion meant we weren't as lively when Anna arrived home later from teaching, so another special time was had the following morning! And then there was the reunion at Wadeplatt Farm. 😍
Home Sweet Home

Kayaking, partying, ten pound poms and farewell Australia!

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There’s a great community spiritin Barwon Heads, and Claire’s friends are totally exceptional. In addition to our wonderful friends Clare and Andy, we spent time with Robyn B (oh! Robyn it was SOOOOO good to see you, and to meet Brooke and Dom), Robyn and Marque, and Noni and Charlie.

Julie and Tony hosted a ‘book launch’ house party for me on Friday night in their beatiful home. Amazing! There was a live band (The Gems) which included Tony on drums…..fab Tony! Paul and I were overwhelmed with the hospitality and kindness of this wonderful couple. Thanks Julie (new sister!) and Tony for everything…book loans, advice, coffee, kayaks and the party! Niece extraordinare (Claire) said a few words about my book, and our family. Again, another poignant moment.

Robyn and Marque invited us for a BBQ on Saturday night, another memorable night. We are becoming more convinced that BH is the ‘place to be’! I loved chatting to Robyn W about the history of Australia….thanks Robyn. I almost don’t need to read ‘Buckley’s Hope’ now! And Noni, the tales of your Polish grandmother really made me think. I so enjoyed talking to you. And it turns out Julie's parents were Ten Pound Poms. I love the story of how new lives started on little financial investment, and although the emotional investment was probably far greater for her parents I would like to guess they felt it was well worth it!

Rob and Tony took us kayaking, what an experience! Barwon River was cool. Day after Tony and Paul repeated the fun but the travelled in the opposite direction. We met them later at the Heads, and Paul was quietly admired by the friendly owner, who offered him a huge slice of date cake ‘to keep his strength up!’ He certainly took a shine to those boys!

Champagne with Robyn on Saturday afternoon, in the sun again, was a special treat….especially as it was meant to be a coffee!

On Sunday (last day) we visited Ballarine Estate winery and had light lunch with Julie and Tony, accompanied by James, Tony and Julie’s nephew on the guitar. Lovely voice James!

I took some time to make a short film for Tom and Claire, about the first 'leg' of their travels. I also heard that they loved it!

The last party was a quieter affair, but was perhaps the most important! Lottie, special Lottie is 16 today…so last night another BBQ with a delicious chocolate cake (made by Lottie herself) was in order. Happy Birthday Lottie! You are a credit to your Mum, and I am so proud of you. Can't wait to tell your Grandma all about you. 

As I write this last blog whilst preparing to leave this remarkable land after an extraordinary adventure, I am reminded that it wouldn’t have been half as good if not orchestrated by and shared with, Claire Geldard. We are forever grateful.  

From Point Lonsdale to Queenscliffe

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The coastline here is spectacular, and as we walked 12k we mostly skirted the rolling sea, enjoying the warm sun on our backs. Lottie’s back however was not good but after some medication she was able to join us for the treck. It was energizing. Stanley ran in and out the sea and kept us entertained.

We dined at Seafood Providore at Queenscliffe Harbour enjoying seafood at its best, accompanied by crisp white wine and a friendly waiter!  Later in the evening we were entertained by Liz and Jo; two midwife friends of Claire’s. All in all, a great day!

I’ll meet you under the clocks

Tom and Claire are working in St Kilda, a Melbourne suberb. We found their flat, and then went in search of coffee. Tom directed us to Acland St and Monarchs Coffee/Cake Café, established in 1937. DE-licious! 

We then caught a tram into the city. We’ve visited Brisbane and Sydney, and many have encouraged us to call on Melbourne and see the sites, where the old heritage buildings blend with the new. We really were full of admiration for the city earlier as we approached by car, and now by tram. I have been reading Savage Cows and Cabbage Leaves by Marie Alafaci, where Alafaci describes the detail of her aunt and uncle’s life when they emigrated to Melbourne from Italy, in 1927. The portrayal of survival (and it was just that, survival) is a bleak reminder of what went before in this prosperous country. Great read, and now I was about to see the sites I’d read about, decades on.

Claire, still the best tour guide EVER, whipped us round almost every tourist spot. First stop was Eureka Tower which boasts being the second tallest building in Australia   and  the observation deck on the 88^th floor provides the most spectacular views of Melbourne, and all the important landmarks. It reminded us of being at the viewing station in the Empire State Building, but with the advantage of huge spaces with protective expanses of glass. Paul, Lottie and I dared to sample ‘The Edge’

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, which is not for the faint hearted. It consists of a glass cube which projects 3 metres out from the building - with you in it - suspended almost 300 metres above the ground! We were encouraged to lie on the floor, to experience the feeling of falling through the air…..utterly thrilling!  

The day was spent in scorching heat, but each place was spectacular; we were intrigued with the historical buildings such as Flinders Street Station, with it’s famous row of clocks above the main entrance, indicating the next train times. Melburnians use this as a popular meeting place…….‘I’ll meet you under the clocks’.

We saw some of the old and new: Parliament House, War Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral, Federation Square, Royal Exhibition Building, Bowsed through the Laneways and Block Archades, experienced the Circular Tram (free!), and lastly we enjoyed a chilled drink in the Docklands.

Later we took another tram back to St Kilda…to the George Melbourne Wine room, where Tom is taking over as Head Chef for a few months. Claire B works there too, and we were once more greeted as long lost friends. Aimee and Archie came, and Claire B….and we enjoyed a delicious feast together. The weather by now was torrential rain….and as Claire drove us home we felt full, hot, tired and so happy to have visited Melbourne.

Red back spiders, deciduous trees and ‘fair dinkum’!

I heard the familiar shout of my name from outside and I knew instantly a spider had been located. Paul hates these creatures at the best of times, but the one HE ALMOST TOUCHED as he pumped the tyres on one of Claire’s bikes was the potentially fatal Redback spider, also known as the latrodectus hasselti. Wikipedia informs us that the Redback is one of the most dangerous spiders in Australia. So Paul had every right to scream. Aaarg! The spider is not commonly seen, and as Claire Nield later told us later that day she had never seen one in 8 years, we felt that Paul had been extremely unLUCKY!!!!

Still, he loves a dramatic tale, and this one I know will be told and further told. Bill Bryson recounts many anecdotes to me daily as I read his book Down Under, the hazards and anomalies of staying/living in this far off land are countless but are far outweighed by the positive aspects. The trees and shrubs, the plants and even common grass is so different to England and even Europe. Each day I see something different to marvel at, and the “Australians’ (I can’t help thinking there’s no such thing) entertain me with their enthusiastic and distinctive accent. ‘How ya going?’ is the phrase for ‘Hi!’ and is said with such a positive lilt. Love it!  We are intrigued by the need to add the letter ‘O’ to some words, such as ‘rego’ for registration plate, ‘arvo’ means afternoon, ‘ambo’ for ambulance, and so on!

And of course, we (the English) are Pommes (Potatoes? Pomegranates?) , or POMES suggested as meaning Prisoner Of Mother England - as emblazoned on the clothes of the convicts as they arrived in this land.......

Catching Babies....a memorable day in Australia

It was a beautiful sunny day! My book finally arrived and was in my hands yesterday morning, after a drive to Geelong to the post depot. It was a significant moment for many reasons. Claire, my lovely midwife niece and special friend drove Paul and I to the town with excitement, as we knew a parcel had tried to be delivered the day before. Geelong is where Claire works, and we passed her hospital in search of the street.

We sat three in the car and tears came as we saw the book for the first time, and my message to Kathleen....it was an overwhelming ten minutes....then we walked to Cunningham Pier for champagne and lunch to celebrate.

Olivia has been reading a copy of Catching Babies; the one that arrived in Whalley last week. I recieved regular messages from her full of emotion as she enjoyed the words. Hope others who read it feel the same! Paul is reading avidly. Let's see what he makes of it......

Poo Head and Uno with a twist.......

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Before you are anxious about my language, Poo Head is the name of a card game. Wednesday night resembled a casino at Knox Drive. Tom and Claire are teaching us Poo Head (Oh Dear!) and Claire G upgrading our knowledge of Uno!! Not for the faint hearted! We have developed our own language and Claire (Babesy Lamb) is learning that too…..ha! LOVE playing these card games.

Thursday was a lazy morning…….longer sleep and breakfast chez Claire for a change!

Sun came out, then lunch at The Dunesafter long walk along the beach from Barwon Heads to Ocean Grove. First time for four of us! Lottie loved spending time chatting to Claire, and vice versa. A new friendship me thinks!

Walked back along river for R and R then walked into BH for authentic Mexican meal at El Poco Burito (used to be The Pod) and Crushed Iced Marguerites! Yum…..but brain freeze and frozen oesophagus!

This morning we took Lottie to work in Ocean Grove and had a roam around and Tom and Claire purchased some ingredients for tonight’s feast! We have guests! Aimee Byrom (niece and horse trainer extraordinaire), Archie her partner and Jye, Lottie’s boyfriend!! Lovely Andy coming too, and perhaps Marcus. 

Two hours was endured by the sea this afternoon…we (C,T,S and P) had a wonderful swim in the ocean.

Pink fizz already flowing, and sun still high. Ahhhh 

Parrots and Koalas

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Lottie at school today. I marvelled at her school shoes which are almost identical to the sandals I wore as a child. T Bar sandals. Apparently they are compulsory for ALL children here, no negotiating! This information was verified when I saw a group of schoolgirls from a different school later in the day, all in the same footwear! Great idea me thinks, especially after the battle of the shoes when our children were younger……

An early start (8.30am) and drive to Lorne to have BBQ breakfast next to the sea, bacon, tomatoes and eggs in full view of a Japanese tourist who was, apparently mesmerized. ‘Are you not cooking fish?’ he asked Tom. Fish isn’t in a full English he thought. Another delicious meal. We found one of Claire’s famous coffee shops and then off again to Kennett River Campsite and beach to find the tropical birds and koalas. Claire purchased some bird seed and we were off in full pursuit. We had had the pleasure of this activity before, but Claire and Tom where totally in awe. As the birds swooped and landed on their hands and heads they smiled and squealed with delight. The cute but docile Koalas where harder to find but we were advised by the ‘bird man’ to go further up the road which we did. A few closer glimpses meant that Claire was thrilled and happy! She even tried to coax one down from a high eucalyptus tree. We had to eventually leave them to sleep, and we moved back to Lorne for a fabulous drink by the sea, and some lunch.

A spot of thong (flip flop) purchasing, and a book for Seamus, and then a car journey home in full sun which reflected perfectly on the sea….. Another wonderful day in Australia