Programme Three
Specialist midwife Judy looks after expectant mums who have addiction or mental health problems. Her job is to help parents in challenging circumstances, ensuring that mothers and babies are kept safe and well.

Back on the labour ward at Derby City General Hospital, midwife manager Trudy has to lend a hand on a busy shift. 17 year-old Zimzee is having her first baby and its a long and painful labour for the teenage mum. Zimzee is 12 days past her due date and needs to be induced. She’s put on a hormone drip to trigger the contractions but when the contractions start they are very painful. With the baby’s heart rate dropping, Zimzee needs to push the baby out quickly.

Midwife Shirley Ann is attending the homebirth of mum of three Anne. It’s a crowded house with Anne’s husband, the three kids, Shirley Ann and a colleague all present but both mum and midwife want the birth to be as relaxing as possible. Ann is trying everything she can to avoid having drugs. According to Shirley Ann, “this is how it should be. Nice and relaxed and quiet…just calm all the way. That’s the plan."

  < previous   next > Page 3 of 10