Call the Midwife

Mature Jennifer: How do we begin-- when we take our first breath, when we shape our first word?

We don't know because we can't remember, but throughout our lives, for others, we begin when we arrive, when our face is the new face, when our past is untold to them, our shared future still unknown.

One day we'll look back and say, "Do you remember when..." but we're always beginning somewhere in somebody's eyes.

Oh!

I'm gonna to have to grease this desk to get it through, it's that big.

Can't she make do with something smaller?

No.

She cannot.

Sister Catherine is a postulant simultaneously studying for first vows and her part two midwifery exams.

She's going to need the biggest desk you can find her.

No grease required.

Sheets, blankets, and a choice of two bedspreads.

Two?

Isn't that rather luxurious?

The weather's been changeable, and she needs to sleep well with all the work she has to do.

We're ready for the mattress.

No rest for the wicked.

Ohh... [Door opens] Greetings, Sister.

I'm Catherine Cantwell-- Sister Catherine.

I think you were expecting me.

Yes.

Of course we were expecting you, just not until tomorrow.

Oh.

Uh... Ha ha!

We thought it best I came today because of the strikes that are going on.

Nice of you to bring us chocolates, though.

Oh, ha!

I was on my way to the station when a patient's father spotted me and ran into a shop to get them.

I don't think I'm supposed to accept presents, though, am I?

We shall put them in the comestibles section of our charity book.

Julienne: We should be leaving for our Tuesday clinic shortly.

You can take the afternoon to settle in.

It's a very disappointing response.

These are the lowest numbers I've ever seen booked into a vaccination clinic.

It's so often the case with voluntary procedures.

Women remain reluctant to sign up for cervical cytology, and mothers are slow to arrange the measles vaccine.

This is worse than slow.

They've almost stopped booking altogether.

It's the case in almost every practice, even though some GPs have accepted the financial incentive from the Board of Health.

I am not going down that route.

Phyllis: If you ask me, it's not the GPs who need the incentive.

It's the parents.

In the meanwhile, we shall simply redouble our efforts.

[Door opens] Good afternoon.

My name's Peggy Wrigley.

I have an appointment to see Dr. Turner.

Oh, yes.

Of course.

We were just able to fit you in before doctor leaves for St. Oswald's.

Phyllis: Will we see you at clinic with Gail this afternoon, Mrs. Wrigley?

Not half.

She's having me first grandchild.

We haven't missed an appointment yet.

Whoa!

Oh!

Hey!

Oh, dear.

Mrs. Turner, good afternoon.

Let me take that from you.

Thank you, Mrs. Wallace.

Could I have a service wash?

My machine is broken.

Of course.

Woman: It's a bit loud, darling.

I'm so sorry.

I really am.

He's not been right today.

Andrew, be quiet, darling.

Lady's trying to work.

Hello, Mrs. Trottwood.

Hello, Andrew.

[Slamming continues] Let me give you a hand.

If you're good, I'll take you to the rec after so you can watch the swings.

Ow!

Andrew!

Oh, he's caught his hand.

So, Mrs. Wrigley, what can I do for you?

I'm... about to say something out loud I haven't said out loud to anyone else yet.

You can take your time.

I'm 46, and I think I'm in the family way again.

I've got 7 kids already... and what you can do for me is get me an abortion.

Shelagh: Just let me take a little look, Andrew.

Come on, darling.

Mrs. Turner is trying to help.

Just show her your hand.

Mrs. Wallace: Andrew, you want a banana?

Something sweet always cheers up a child when they've hurt themselves.

Banana, Andrew, your favorite.

Thank you, Mrs. Wallace.

Shelagh: Oh.

It's a nasty, little cut.

It doesn't need stitches, but it will need cleaning and a dressing.

Mrs. Wallace: I've got my first aid box, and, as we've got a nurse on the premises, we'll soon have the little fellow sorted out.

I would say that you are slightly less than 3 months along.

Oh, is that good, though, if I want an abortion?

Patrick: Peggy, abortion may be legal now, but it's not simple.

Peggy: Having another baby isn't simple.

I've got 7 beautiful, healthy children, but I feel like I'm working every hour of every day just to feed them and keep them clothed.

I can't have another one, not with Jimmy and the dockers strike.

I can't.

It'll kill me.

It won't kill you, but it could cause you a lot of distress.

Well, can I have an abortion because of that?

It isn't up to me.

The law makes sure that every termination is thought about really carefully and by more than one doctor.

Oh, I don't want to put you on the spot, Doctor, but please, please tell me where to go, who I need to talk to, please.

Phyllis: Come along, Peggy lass.

We can't put it all right on the spot, but it isn't the end of the world.

Patrick: I am going to send you to Mr. Wilkins at St. Cuthbert's.

What I am also going to suggest is that he discusses the prospect of sterilization with you.

Sterilization?

If you do have the termination, you can then have an operation, which means that you would never conceive again.

[Exhales] I think that might be good.

Mrs. Wallace: You take your time with this cuppa.

You work hard looking after the little fellow.

I try.

Its best not to get this dressing wet.

I'll pop in to check up on it, and I second Mrs. Wallace's advice about the tea.

You need to take breaks where you can.

I suppose I'm out of the habit.

The last time you were in the surgery, it was because Andrew was starting to have more seizures.

Are they getting worse?

Not worse, but not better.

I lie awake sometimes just listening out for a fit starting.

I can't believe-- He was just like any other baby, any other child till he was two.

And then what happened?

He caught measles, and that turned into a brain infection, and that made him the Andrew he is now.

I don't love him any less, but I think I love him more.

I tell you I love you all the time, don't I, cherub?

Oh, yes.

Mm.

Heh, trotting along like a little pony.

That's what we like to hear.

You're a bit dark under the eyes, Mrs. Mason.

Are you getting enough sleep?

Oh, I've been tossing and turning all night every night.

Don't know if it's nerves or the heartburn.

That's because you're all on your own with your husband 1,500 miles away.

I look after meself, Mum.

My Jeff's in Cyprus with the RAF.

She's on at me to move back home till I've had the baby.

You think she'd be glad to have one less on her hands.

[Chuckles] Is anything wrong?

Your blood pressure's a touch too high for my liking.

You've no swollen ankles, but I'd like to test your urine for protein.

Meanwhile, you're just going to have to calm down and let us keep an eye on you.

Peggy: That does it.

You're coming home.

I've made my mind up.

No.

I-- No arguments, not a word.

Monica Joan: You'll find nothing of interest or merit in there.

Oh.

It was just a few sewing things.

I expect it's something to do with recreation.

Well, I am not an admirer of embroidery Unless for an explicitly ecclesiastical purpose.

Ah.

I have to say, I've struggled slightly with recreation.

My hobby was always trampolining, and there's nothing ecclesiastical about that.

No.

There is not.

There was also golf because my parents both played and it was assumed that we would, too.

Parents assume much, in my experience.

Yes.

They do, and you can't stop them.

I tried crochet in the mother house, but in the end, I settled on origami.

Phyllis: Doctor is content that Gail is showing no signs of pre-eclampsia, but I'm to call in regularly and take her blood pressure.

Oh, that's good.

I'm asking you now, please don't you say anything to her about what I'm seeing the doctor for.

Understood.

You will need to confide in someone, maybe your husband.

No, no point there.

He wouldn't get any of it.

Oh, why the long face?

Thought you'd be grinning from ear to ear now you've got your own way.

Come on.

I'm gonna buy us a quarter of pineapple chunks to celebrate.

Mm.

She pretends they're for me, but she loves him just as much.

Phyllis: Ha ha ha!

[Baby crying] Sister Catherine comes to us from St. Aidan's Children's Hospital.

Ah.

Catherine: I was lucky enough to have spent two years there.

Monica Joan: Children are a gift from the Lord.

They are a reward from Him.

Oh, you must admit, some of them could try anyone's patience.

[Laughter] That is because your patience is fragile, whereas mine has been tempered by years of service to the Lord.

Joyce: We're just down the corridor if you need anything-- a chat or a cup of tea.

Thank you, but I'm afraid I'm going to be a very boring neighbor.

I have a lot of studying to do.

You know what they say-- the brain is a muscle.

It needs breaks just like the other ones.

It does.

Thank you.

Peggy: Now, I can't spare anything out of the housekeeping for the dockers distress fund, Jimmy.

I've had to put cardboard in Carol's shoes to get her to the end of term.

You're a docker.

We're as distressed as anyone that fund is helping.

Jimmy: We don't accept charity in this house.

You look tired, Mum.

Well, you know what I always say-- can't afford mink, can't afford champagne, and I can't afford to be tired.

All right.

Tea's ready, and if you eat it all up, there's tinned syrup sponge.

The lies they print.

"Most dockers are, however, "being offered substantial increases coupled with measures to improve productivity."

What measures?

We don't even get bleeding sick pay.

I offered Mum housekeeping while I'm staying, but she won't accept it.

I'll accept it.

Gail: Why don't you jack in the docks, Dad, get a job down the toy factory or sugar works?

Wrigleys have been dockers for 4 generations.

What kind of man would your dad be if he ditched that?

I don't know where I'd be without your mother.

Mm.

Well, you'd be starving and covered in fleas.

[Chuckles] Lovely.

Morning.

Morning.

Nuns: I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto You among the nations.

Nngh!

Shelagh: Mrs. Trottwood, I've come to change Andrew's dressing.

Oh, you're lucky you caught me.

I had to go out and collect a catalog delivery.

They delivered to the wrong address.

Can you give me a hand with those bags?

Of course.

It's a bit of a performance today.

The lift's not working.

Mm!

Ah!

Oh.

[Chuckles] [Ring ring] [Chuckles] Once Fred has sorted you with a bicycle, you will soon familiarize yourself with every nook and cranny in Poplar and keep fit at the same time.

So it's our first study session.

Shall we?

The lift maintenance in these flats is disgraceful.

I'd call it nonexistent.

Anyway, it's a good job you came today.

Andrew's torn the bandage right off.

We'll soon put that to rights, brought my bag of tricks.

Mrs. Trottwood: I'm afraid I never get quite straight.

I'm a rep for Giffords catalog.

I thought it was a job I could do from home.

I didn't factor in all the parcels.

I imagine it can be quite sociable, though, when customers drop by.

Sometimes they stay for a cup of tea.

They never bring their kids.

[Andrew muttering] Now, let's have a little look at your hand, sweetheart.

Oh, dear.

It's looking a bit raw and possibly infected.

The doctor will need to prescribe some antibiotic cream for it.

I can drop it in later.

He kept sucking the bandage.

I can't be standing over him every minute of every day.

I wasn't criticizing, Jill.

I can only imagine how hard it is looking after Andrew, and on your own, too.

You know his dad left us, don't you, even though I've never said.

I guessed, and I also guessed you didn't want to discuss it.

People feel sorry enough for me already because of my boy.

I loved my husband, but he couldn't love Andrew.

Oh, it was quite easy to let him go because of that, even though it's so hard on my own.

Shelagh: We thought the place at the special school in Essex would help.

He was on that bus for hours every day.

He was exhausted, but he was learning, or getting the chance to.

Then the council stopped paying for him to go there, said he had to go to a special school nearer to Poplar.

And there isn't one, is there?

No.

There isn't.

Midwife calling.

Ah.

Hello, Nurse.

Thought I'd have a go at cleaning while me mum's out.

Your blood pressure's not going thank you for that.

Get inside and get rid of that mop.

Oh... Oh...ooh...

Uh... [Panting] [Sniffles] Oh...oh... "Ye have not chosen me, "but I have chosen you and ordained you "that ye should go and bring forth fruit "and that your fruit should remain, "that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you."

So far as this verse applies to the disciples, it doesn't seem controversial, and yet there is controversy in it.

Where would you say that lies?

In the thought that Jesus is the one who chooses you, not the other way round.

Quite.

It seems to pose the question about how or if our own free will comes into play, but, uh, I'm curious about your own interpretation.

I'm not sure what my interpretation is.

In fact, the only thing I am sure of at the moment is that I'm thinking and learning and wondering all the time without managing to be very sure about anything very much.

Is that permitted?

We journey in faith.

We must permit all doubt, for it is only through doubt that we can find its opposite.

Me and Jeff are both reading the same book about having a baby.

He's away, and I'm over here, but it means we can share it all.

Young fathers these days seem to take quite an interest.

My mum said she wasn't sure my dad even knew how we came out.

He headed straight for the Black Sail as soon as she went into labor, and he'd stay there till the all clear sounded.

That was the usual routine, but many's the man made up for it once Baby arrived.

He never did.

Not only never even changed a nappy, he never even stayed in the room when a nappy was being changed, said it wasn't a spectator sport.

Ha ha ha!

Are you planning a hospital delivery or the maternity home?

The maternity home.

I can have me mum with me then.

[Door closes] Is that you, Mum?

I'm in here with Nurse Crane.

Mrs. Wrigley?

[Door opens] Gail: M-Mum, you're bleeding.

Uhh, I don't feel too good.

I think I might be having a miscarriage.

Come on.

Let's go to the bathroom.

Oh...oh... Mum?

Here we are-- Andrew Trottwood.

Mm.

The last I knew, he was offered a place at special school and started attending.

But then the place was withdrawn.

I wonder what happened there.

The cost should be covered by the council.

I am very concerned for both Mrs. Trottwood's welfare and his.

He's missing out on so much being at home.

They both are.

I'm going to look into this as a matter of urgency.

We'll get to the bottom of it.

[Knocks on door] Well, you said something like Tupperware, but we've only got this.

It's the one she uses when she makes jelly.

Thank you.

It does seem as though nature is going to take its course.

Just to be on the safe side, could you telephone Dr. Turner at the surgery?

Peggy: Ohh... Oh...

But she never even said she was having a baby.

Jill: I'll get your drink in a minute.

B586 and B587... medium.

That's large.

Oh, crumbs.

Yeah.

I'm coming.

Just give me a second.

[Tap tap tap tap] Andrew, I said stop.

[Tapping continues] Stop!

Now, Andrew, look what you made me do!

You naughty, naughty boy.

Can you not just-- Not as I'm working!

I just can't!

[Andrew whining] [Gulls squawking] Veronica: Andrew Trottwood, 20th of September 1963.

Found him.

Everything seems to be present and correct.

Except a little boy who already has quite enough to contend with isn't attending school, as he has no access to transport.

I'm not seeing any evidence of proof of need.

What evidence does there have to be?

There are forms to fill in.

I am a health visitor.

Forms are meat and drink to me.

The trouble with having a child like Andrew is, you don't know anyone else like you, and soon, you don't know anyone who isn't like you.

He can't join in, and it breaks my heart.

It's broken my heart from the word go, but after years and years of this, it's like I can't join in, either, with anything that normal mothers do.

It's broken my spirit.

Oh, Jill, you shouldn't have to feel alone.

Well, I do.

I feel... so alone, even though I'm not, because I've got Andrew and I love him.

I love him more than I can ever express in words.

I understand.

I know you want to, Mrs. Turner, because you're kind, but I don't think anyone can understand who's never stood in my shoes.

I'm sorry, Peggy.

It's a miscarriage, sadly common in women of your age.

Phyllis: I feel there's a bit more blood than we'd like to see, Doctor.

You need to go to hospital straightaway and have a procedure to make sure that your womb is clear.

I do need to talk to you about the referral, though.

I wonder, Gail, would you step outside for a moment?

No.

I'm not leaving her.

Phyllis: Doctor may need to discuss confidential matters with your mother, Gail.

Is this about me getting me tubes tied?

Patrick: Yes, as we previously discussed.

When did you discuss getting your tubes tied?

When I went to him and asked for an abortion.

There, said it now.

An abortion?

Mum, well, what did Dad say?

He would never have known, and I doubt it would have bothered him.

Oh... There we go, darling.

[Sighs] I'm sorry I got cross.

It's not your fault.

Mummy's just tired, and we both get tired, don't we, soldier?

You know I love you, don't you?

You be a good boy.

I'm gonna get on with my work.

Wilkins: In Dr. Turner's referral letter, he suggests we discuss sterilization.

That was when I was thinking of going down a different route.

Indeed, but we could do it at the same time as your D&C.

My what?

It's when we remove any parts of your pregnancy that remain in your womb, unless, of course, you need more time to make up your mind.

What do you think, love?

I think I don't ever want to see you go through anything like this again.

You put yourself first for a change.

Uh... Yeah.

I'd like it done, please.

Very well.

Ohh...heh.

Hey, have you got me handbag?

Yeah, yeah.

What you need?

I got you some pineapple chunks.

They should still be in there.

[Shuts water off] Sister Catherine, perhaps you would like to join us for recreation.

I have quite a lot of studying to do this evening.

I thought I might bring this up to my room, with your permission, of course.

I admire your dedication to your studies.

However, rest is equally important.

It would do you good to have quiet time for yourself before Compline.

Thank you, Sister.

Joyce: I'm afraid there's something wrong with the aerial, Sister Monica Joan.

Ohh.

If there is, you really need an engineer for that.

Monica Joan: Alas, if the events keep unfolding as they are, I might have to resort to such measures.

Could prove difficult, as the strikes are affecting everyone.

Until then, I must endure.

Wilkins: All straightforward so far.

This shouldn't take us very long.

Retractor.

Yes, Mr. Wilkins.

Retractor.

Pack.

Pack in.

One pack, Sister.

Noted, one pack.

Wilkins: Is our next patient in the anesthetic room?

Patient is turning blue.

Can we stop?

[Siren departing] What's up, girl?

I need more than a note on a table saying, "Me and mum gone to St.

Catherine's."

I left that note there hours ago.

I take it you've been down the Black Sail.

Union business.

Where is she?

Which one of the kids has come off their bike this time?

None of them, Dad.

It's Mum.

She's in the operating theater now.

She's been in ages longer than they said.

Why?

She never said she was ill. Yeah.

She never said she was pregnant, either.

Again?

You say that like it's nothing to do with you.

Anyway, she's-- she's lost it now.

Oh, Gail, no.

Yeah.

That's why she's in there-- tidying her up and making sure it never happens again, seeing as you can't.

Wilkins: Mrs. Mason, I've been with your mother in the operating theater.

She's my wife.

Would you like to come with me, please?

[Door opens] Please take a seat.

Sit down.

Can we go and see her?

I'm afraid not.

There were complications, and I'm afraid to say that, despite everything we tried to do, she did not survive the procedure.

[Gasps] [Gasps] Would you-- [Pineapple chunks clatter] [Sniffling] [Sobbing] Julienne: I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say our thoughts are with Mrs. Wrigley's family.

I prayed for them this morning.

Rosalind: It really is absolutely heartbreaking.

7 children left without a mother.

Catherine: Do we know the cause of death?

Phyllis: Pulmonary embolism has been suggested, but speculation serves no one.

Gail Mason is already on my house call list.

Her blood pressure was enough of a cause for concern as it was.

I've just spoken to the coroner's office and arranged to send Peggy Wrigley's case notes.

The postmortem should tell them all they need to know.

Indeed.

I put money on an embolism.

Doctor, with regard to a different concern, I'm afraid we still have only a handful of bookings for the measles vaccination clinic.

Still?

May I use some petty cash to fund some posters and leaflets?

Please do.

People just don't seem to understand how dangerous measles can be.

Gail: I don't want any grease on these.

They aren't ours.

Been all up and down the street borrowing funeral clothes.

You're making me ashamed that I can't buy new.

Putting yourself first, as usual.

No wonder Mum couldn't cope with the thought of any more.

You were the one that told her to go through the sterilization, and that's why the operation took so long.

If it wasn't for you, she'd still be alive.

[Crying] [Gordon Lightfoot's "If You Could Read My Mind" playing] Lightfoot: If you could read my mind, love What a tale my thoughts could tell When you reach the part Where the heartaches come The hero would be me Heroes often fail I never thought I could feel this way And I've got to say that I just don't get it I don't know where we went wrong But the feeling's gone, and I just can't get it back Nurse Crane is visiting Gail Mason today, and I shall be popping in on the young children.

And how has Sister Catherine been settling in?

She's bright, diligent, very professional, and eager to learn, although I have noticed she's particularly inclined to spend time with the children of the families we look after, and she's certainly a natural with them, but she must remember, mother first.

Indeed.

I wonder if there's some way of combining her natural affinity with children with the ongoing care of Gail Mason and the Wrigley family.

[Indistinct conversation] Shelagh: Mrs. Trottwood, I was just on my way to see you.

Hello, Andrew.

How's your hand?

It's coming on all right now, isn't it?

He likes watching the children.

You planted sunflowers when you were at the special school.

Do you remember, Andrew?

They stopped his bus before they grew.

Is there any news about the bus?

Sister Veronica is trying very hard-- I know that-- but I'm afraid I've not heard any news.

Oh, Andrew, love.

His nappy's leaking.

Switched to disposables because they're easier, but they're not as good, and I don't have a spare one.

Come with me over to Mrs. Buckle's.

She might sell them.

Give it back.

Will you two give it a rest?

I don't know what's got into you.

Dad, they've just lost their mother.

I'll see you later.

Excuse me.

Gail: Just ignore him, girls.

[Door opens and closes] I wonder, would you take Mrs. Mason upstairs and make a start on her checks for me?

Now, Carol and Cheryl, do you know how to make bread and jam?

Want you to make some for each other.

I fetched her a nice, soapy flannel as well as the packet of pads.

Thank you, Violet.

The way poor Andrew looked at the other children broke my heart.

At least when he had his place on the bus, he could go to school.

But what happened to his place on the bus?

I mean, the council don't send many children to that school-- it's out of our area-- but we do pay for travel and for the place itself.

People seem to think so-- even you seem to think so-- but I can assure you that that is not the case.

Perhaps Andrew has fallen foul of the fact that handicapped children have no legal right to education.

Well, that is going to change, Mrs. Turner.

There's a bill already going through Parliament, but until then, it's all discretionary.

Oh, but how long do these families have to wait?

Shouldn't we all be doing better?

Yes.

We know those like Andrew and Reggie deserve so much more.

Nothing a nice slice of bread and jam won't settle.

How are we doing here?

A little slowly but surely.

Listen, lass.

You're grieving.

You're doing your best in very difficult circumstances.

Yeah.

Everywhere I look, I see her-- see her shouting at me for the mess the house is in, shouting at me dad for the mess the family's in.

Then in my head, I start shouting at her.

She could sort it all out if she was here.

I think it's time to pack a bag.

You're coming with me to the maternity home.

Miss Higgins, I need a favor.

What is it, Mrs. Trottwood?

I've got to be quick because Andrew's outside.

How many measles leaflets can you spare me?

Mm.

Heh heh.

Where's Gail?

Oh, she's gone to the maternity home with Nurse Crane, but she needs bed rest to prepare her for the birth.

Don't know about any of that sort of thing.

You don't have to.

It's the stork that delivers babies, after all.

When I was a nipper, we were told that the sisters brought them in their bicycle bags.

I like that.

There are two tin pies ready to go in the oven, and I took the liberty of peeling some potatoes.

That's good of you.

It'll get you started.

Uh!

[Laughter] [Exhales] I love my son.

I love my son as much as any one of you loves your children, and--and loving your child means protecting your child.

Now, Andrew caught measles before the vaccine was invented... and I can't turn back the clock, but I can say to you today, vaccinate.

Vaccinate.

You and your child have a chance that me and Andrew never had, so don't waste it.

Vaccinate.

Vaccinate!

Vaccinate.

It'll be teatime soon.

I hear it's custard slice for pudding.

In better news, there's no protein in her urine.

Excellent.

How would you proceed?

Regular observations, maybe some chloral hydrate.

Good idea.

You'll sleep well tonight, lass.

Shall we try and get news to your husband in Cyprus?

No.

He'll only worry.

I'll be fine.

You just tell us if you change your mind.

Millicent: Lo and behold, the measles vaccination list is filling up.

What's brought this on?

Sudden interest since Jill Trottwood's efforts.

Well, it just goes to show every effort counts.

She's a trouper.

It's high time this world paid her the respect she deserves.

It cannot come soon enough.

[Knocks on door] Come in.

I offer you the solace of my company and some chocolate digestives.

Oh.

I am grateful, Sister, but it's been drummed into me that we never eat between meals.

Well, they're quite a number of digestives.

I think we may consider them a meal entire.

[Both laugh] Well, maybe just one... or two.

I must have cycled 15 miles today.

Is this the life that you imagined?

Oh... it is the life I was called to.

I didn't dare imagine much.

I just listened to God's voice.

Oh, and God is a persuasive speaker, is He not?

Well, He persuaded me.

But what did He ask you to surrender?

Everything.

Isn't that the pact we make?

"Everything" is merely a word, a single suitcase into which we bundle all we are.

What did your everything consist of?

Indeed, what does it consist of now?

Uh... tights... pear drops... my cat Maud--ha!-- mascara... trampolining or driving my Mini or waking up in the flat I shared with my friend near the hospital and putting coffee in the percolator, all my brothers and sisters... Or choosing what to wear, choosing what to eat, choosing what to do.

Sometimes think I miss choosing most of all.

Because the choice is made.

And that's my everything now, isn't it?

Sister, it is so much more.

Patrick?

There's another rail strike, meaning that the measles vaccines won't be delivered until tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

That's too late.

I know it's too late.

[Sighs] Interest at last, and now we have to cancel or at least postpone.

I'll speak to the factory.

I have got just enough time to go there myself and collect another batch if I get my skates on.

[Door opens] Good morning.

I wondered if you and Andrew would be interested in a little excursion.

It's a nice day, but where you thinking of going?

Look at this.

See how many mothers were encouraged to vaccinate their children after listening to you.

Well, I just said what I felt, I mean, and what I know to be true.

Miss Higgins tells me they need help with refreshments.

Should we go in and lend a hand, Andrew?

The vaccines haven't arrived.

Shelagh: They are on their way.

Dr. Turner is collecting them himself.

Well... That's it, lass.

Just breathe through it.

I don't remember Mum being in this much pain.

Oh.

Oh, I feel dizzy.

Perhaps we should give this a break for a little bit.

[Gasps] Oh, does the pain get worse now?

It says in the book it gets worse once your waters go.

I'd like to know who writes these books sometimes.

Gail, Gail, look at me.

It's not going to get worse if you stay calm and in control and let me and Nurse Crane look after you.

My mum was gonna be with me.

We can't be your mum, but we are your midwives.

We'll get you through this, and that's a promise.

Woman: Why are we waiting?

We are suffocating Veronica: We appreciate your patience, every single one of you.

There's been a very minor delay in the delivery of the vaccines.

[All murmuring] Veronica: How much longer do you think Dr. Turner will be?

They're losing interest.

If they lose interest, we'll lose them.

Are you suggesting that I deploy cheap tactics?

Yes.

Ladies, you will be pleased to hear that we have made a fortuitous purchase of foil-wrapped chocolate biscuits from the cash and carry, and they will be handed out at intervals.

Catherine: That's it.

Lean on me.

One breath, one step at a time.

[Door opens] What are you doing here?

You should be home with the kids.

Well, I found some knitted things for the little 'un.

Your mum must have been getting them ready.

Shouldn't you be in bed if you're having a baby?

We find that a bit of gentle ambulation can help things along.

[Exhales sharply] Oh, good girl.

Mm!

Oh.

Catherine: This will pass.

Blimey.

Mum did this 7 times, Dad.

Can I go back to bed now?

Ohh...

This way.

There you are.

Thank you.

She's fully dilated, but I think I can feel the posterior fontanel.

Baby's head seems to be occipital transverse.

What?

Well, what's that?

Just that right now, Baby could be in a slightly better position for delivery, but they can be monkeys sometimes, but things often put themselves right.

Oh, when?

When?

Soon.

You're doing everything exactly as you ought.

My mum should be telling me that.

Ohh...ohh... Your daughter is in excellent hands, and the tea's well-sugared.

Thanks.

Has she had it?

Phyllis: No.

Everything is proceeding perfectly normally, but I don't think young sir or madam is especially notable for their turn of speed.

I wonder, would you consider doing your daughter a kindness?

Under normal circumstances, I'm chary of men in the delivery suite.

I feel their presence doesn't always ease the situation, but Gail has just lost her mother, and I think she would benefit from seeing a familiar face.

My face?

You're each other's flesh and blood.

That always matters, and right now, it matters more than anything.

[Gulp] [Beep beep] [Exhales sharply] This will be over in a moment, Gail.

Just try to breathe through the discomfort.

"Discomfort"?

"Discomfort"?

It's ruddy agony.

[Door opens] Dad.

Phyllis: You can stand here, Mr. Wrigley.

It's all right.

Go on.

Give it some welly.

Gail: I'm tired, Dad.

What'd your mum used to say?

"I can't afford mink, I can't afford champagne, and..." Both: "I can't afford to be tired."

Phyllis: I often give mothers a barley sugar to suck on when they get to this stage, but I'm clean out.

I've got some pineapple chunks in me pocket.

Could she have one of those?

She most certainly can.

You might have to rub a bit of fluff off.

They've been on the floor.

Least it was the hospital floor, wasn't it?

Violet: Mrs. Trottwood?

A little bird told me that I might find you here.

I thought you might like to read this.

It's addressed to you, Mrs. Buckle.

But it's about Andrew, so it concerns us both.

I took up the cudgels with the Education Committee, who agree that the situation is not acceptable.

"We will be reviewing the arrangements "for this child as a matter of urgency "and hope to report a favorable outcome before the commencement of the new school year."

That's really quite encouraging.

Yeah.

Heh... [Shelagh chuckles] Well, it's-- it's got the word "hope" in it.

It looks so small typed out like that, but... it means so much.

[Exhales] Hope is the thing I lost.

Thank God.

We did it.

[Exhales sharply] [Groaning] Baby's head's delivered.

Don't push for the moment.

You're there, girl, at the finish line.

Now give it all you got.

I'm trying, trying.

Phyllis: Now when you feel the next contraction, one big push right down to your core.

[Inhales] [Panting] [Crying] [Crying continues] [Crying continues] Beautiful baby girl.

[Crying continues] Jimmy: Listen to the lungs on her.

She sounds just like you, although I never heard you.

[Crying] It's a beautiful sound, isn't it?

I reckon Mum can hear it up in heaven.

I can hear her laughing at me.

Well done, girl.

And well done, Grandad.

Violet: It seems that Mrs. Trottwood and Andrew have provided better health education than a thousand posters.

But look at the difference.

today has made to Jill.

Children need to be with other children.

It's so nice seeing him play with other boys and girls his own age.

Jimmy: In you go.

Come on.

There she is, up over there.

Come, boys.

Hello, love.

Oh, from Jeff, sent him a telegram.

I guess you'll soon be moving back into your own place, won't you?

Yeah, when he comes home, not before.

We can pull together until then, can't we?

It's what family is all about.

We'll find a way.

We're finding one.

What you reckon, girls, eh?

Shelagh: Oh, my, how handsome you look.

I must say, it fits perfectly.

You're as pleased as punch, aren't you, eh?

I knew a word in Miss Higgins' ear would do the trick.

Thank you.

This, well, it makes all the difference.

Jimmy: Come on, kids, outside.

Come and see your sister.

Mature Jennifer: Sometimes a new beginning is unlooked for.

Seldom are things entirely pure and flawless, yet seldom are we left without any hope at all.

We say, "There's always tomorrow," but tomorrow can start today when we choose change, when we choose connection, when we choose a different path, for that is how we meet each other and the things we long for.

That is how we learn and move ahead.

We watch.

We listen.

We look.

We share, but nothing is of consequence apart from this.

Simply begin and begin and begin... Oh!

The Doctor: What do you think of my new face, by the way?

A bit flexible, you know?

Monica Joan: Ha ha!

Mature Jennifer: and then the story will unfold exactly as it should.

You seem disquiet.

Something is awry.

Good morning, Mr. Desmond.

Dad, please don't hang up.

I will decide what is best for her and her infant.

Is there something going on with you and Cyril Robinson?

Desmond: I haven't been outside this lung for 17 years.

Will the baby die?

Will I die?