This book is a work of non-fiction based on the author’s experiences. In order to protect privacy, names, identifying characteristics, dialogue and details have been changed or reconstructed.
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First published by HarperElement 2012
FIRST EDITION
© Linda Fairley with Rachel Murphy 2012
All images and material © the author, except where stated. Associated Press extract and Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust article reproduced with permission.
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Source ISBN 9780007457144
Ebook Edition © October 2012 ISBN: 9780007457151 Version 2016-10-21
The Midwife’s Here!
For Peter,
who told me I could do this.
He would be very proud.
Contents
Copyright
Chapter One
‘I’d love to hear some good news’
Chapter Two
‘Please God, look after Mrs Sully this time’
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
‘I think I’ve eaten far too much turkey’
Chapter Five
‘Help me! I’m boiling me ’ead off!’
Chapter Six
‘Mind if I have a ciggie, only I’m really nervous?’
Chapter Seven
‘What an impatient little boy you are!’
Chapter Eight
‘Oh Christ, the head is coming out!’
Chapter Nine
‘The bigger the medallion, the harder they fall’
Chapter Ten
‘I haven’t felt the baby move’
Chapter Eleven
‘I was hoping to apply for a community post’
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
‘Honestly, you could have been killed!’
Chapter Fourteen
‘Linda, I’ve got some terrible news’
Chapter Fifteen
‘It wasn’t how I’d envisaged the birth at all!’
Chapter Sixteen
Epilogue
Picture Section
Acknowledgements
‘Go, and do thou likewise.’
‘She’s on the bathroom floor!’ Sarah’s husband puffed as he flung open the front door and ushered me inside the house. ‘Come in,’ he said urgently, giving me a