The Baby's Coming

A Story of Dedication by an Independent Midwife

De: Virginia Howes

Narrado por: Julie Maisey

The memoir of Britain's best-known independent midwife - the story of how she became a midwife and what it means to her, and her memories of the births she has attended.

Virginia Howes was a mother of four doing the ironing when she had a revelation. Still broody, but not really wanting to add to her family, she realised that becoming a midwife was her true vocation. It was a long journey to get the education and qualifications she needed, especially with a young family, but she was determined and never doubted her decision. Following her training, she spent three years working within the NHS, but her naturally independent spirit fought against the constraints of the system and 12 years ago she decided to set up on her own. Virginia works with mothers who want to give birth at home naturally, something which Virginia believes in passionately. 350 births later, Virginia still loves what she does.

The Baby's Coming tells the stories of her training as a midwife as well as some of the most memorable of those 350 births: the most dramatic, the most touching. Virginia particularly remembers the births of her own grandchildren whose arrivals in the world were some of the most special moments for her as both a midwife and grandmother.

©2014 Emma Hannigan (P)2014 Headline Digital

I loved it!

I always enjoy books from a midwife’s perspective! This was no different. The book was well written, though it did jump around a little timeline wise. I really enjoyed it. The narrator was also captivating, which is important if I am going to actually finish a book. Definitely recommend if you enjoy memoirs.

Fantastic narration, brilliantly woven

This book is so well written, I chose to lose sleep because I didn't want to stop listening. Incredibly inspiring and well done!

Excellent and real!

This book really educates you on what independent midwives are going through currently and is just a very fun and touching real life story!

Captivating story

Grabs your attention and never lets go! Have been involved with birthing mothers for 46 years and have never listened to a better rendition of independent midwives and homebirth. As a Christian Midwife it was hard to understand why a Midwife would pray to birth angels without believing in God. She was a gifted Midwife and tells a wonderful story hopefully someday she will be able to understand the creation story

Great for anyone who loves birth!

This was a fantastic look at community midwifery in England. If you love birth, I highly recommend this book!

Lovely

I just loved this book so much, I was sad when it was over! I am a student homebirth midwife and a single mom and found so much of her book relatable. I loved the way she remembered her clients birth stories, and the relationships she built with them. I also loved to hear about her personal life and the ups and downs. It’s also well written! Btw, I have a howes mirror 💫

Could have been good...

What did you like best about The Baby's Coming? What did you like least?

I enjoyed the comparisons of midwifery over the years, and Virginia's journey was fascinating reading...

But I couldn't get past the egoism. "Every time *I* asked about the wisdom of this treatment, I kept being told no." "I do this because I was treated this way and I didn't like it." Perhaps it's the delivery, but it drives me crazy!

What about Julie Maisey’s performance did you like?

The narrator was beautiful! I will read more of her books as soon as I sarch for them.