Reviews

The Secret Midwife: Life, Death and the Truth about Birth by Katy Weitz, Philippa George

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kristin_thereader's review against another edition

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emotional informative medium-paced

4.5

gina_lilli's review

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emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

majaisabella's review against another edition

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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 against another edition

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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:

Spoiler

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.

heyitsheather's review against another edition

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4.0

Left me wanting more, very fascinating

sophbee87's review against another edition

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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!!