Scan barcode
pinksy's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this, perfect for ‘One born every minute’ fans who are a bit squeamish about watching the actual births!
It’s always been a job I’d love to do but I think reading about it is as close as I’d comfortably get!
It’s always been a job I’d love to do but I think reading about it is as close as I’d comfortably get!
cerim's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to this on audiobook whilst out walking. I chose it as it seemed like an interesting insight into a profession similar to mine.
I enjoyed the narrative voice of this and many of the stories were funny, touching and pretty heartbreaking. Pippa’s journey to midwifery was interesting and her personal stresses were very similar to those faced in the veterinary profession.
4 stars as it was obviously biased and some stories didn’t give a very balanced view.
This was ghostwritten as far as I’m aware but would read more from the author.
I enjoyed the narrative voice of this and many of the stories were funny, touching and pretty heartbreaking. Pippa’s journey to midwifery was interesting and her personal stresses were very similar to those faced in the veterinary profession.
4 stars as it was obviously biased and some stories didn’t give a very balanced view.
This was ghostwritten as far as I’m aware but would read more from the author.
gina_lilli's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
majaisabella's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
5.0
THIS MADE ME BAWL. This is a beautiful account of childbirth, family, motherhood, trauma, the heroism of our NHS midwives and the disgrace of their treatment. I loved the experience of listening to this book more than I can say
bookish_katie's review
dark
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
3.5
I am so sorry for what “Pippa” went through. Both, midwives and the ladies under their care deserve so much better! I was infuriated to read (hear — audiobook) about how management regularly hung out the midwives to dry.
I enjoyed “Pippa’s” perspective and think the topic is SO important, so thanks to the Secret Midwife who wrote her story down. I hope she is doing well, despite the very precious working situation.
That said, I nearly stopped reading/listening after chapter five:
The author writes later in the book that they try not to judge the ladies in their care. This clearly didn’t work out in the case of the woman who desperately refused any interventions, with a tragic result for the baby. This mother is judged harshly by “Pippa” as selfish and arrogant. However, the chapter leaves open whether anyone bothered to find out *why* that lady refused any intervention. Was she scared? If so, why? Any previous medical trauma? Other trauma related to bodily autonomy? This lack of empathy (displayed again at a later point towards a factory worker in shock) very nearly put me off the book.
I am glad so stuck with the book, as I enjoyed the rest of it.
I enjoyed “Pippa’s” perspective and think the topic is SO important, so thanks to the Secret Midwife who wrote her story down. I hope she is doing well, despite the very precious working situation.
That said, I nearly stopped reading/listening after chapter five:
I am glad so stuck with the book, as I enjoyed the rest of it.
sophbee87's review
3.0
A really good insight to what a day in the life of a NHS midwife is like, however I would NOT recommend this book to any expectant mother as it largely focuses on the negative/drama aspects of the profession and birth!!
anawilson05's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Really good but heartwrenching portrayal of life as an NHS midwife, and how the system is failing our healthcare professionals!
kateryderbooks's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0