I worked in a high risk university OB unit. We all delivered babies. “Call the Midwife” reminds me of that and my home health nurse days. Wonderful series.
I've watched the series from season 1 and have all 11 seasons on DVD. I cried when Sr. Evangelina died and was hoping after Chummy got married to officer Noakes and had a baby she'd stay. A lot of my favorite characters are now gone. Looking forward to season 12 on DVD.
This show is absolutely amazing. I mourn every time a beloved character leaves the show. And every single character ends up being loved! Dearly miss Chummy and sister Evangelina.
I miss Sister Evangelina and, oddly enough, Sister Monica Joan's random, out of the blue comments about the planets aligning. She's not the same after they made her more lucid.
I still cry when I think of Barbara’s death. A terrible shock, and loss of a lovely character and wonderful actress. I, too, miss Evangeline. But I also love some of the new characters, like Lucille. The actress who portrays Sister Monica Joan is top notch! It’s just a great show.
One episode always sticks in my mind. A young woman has married a sweet older man. He marries her for love and to help her pull of severe deprivation. In the show she is in labor at home crying that she cannot have the baby. When the baby is born it is obvious his father was black. The young wife had had a brief affair with a very handsome black man, maybe an American soldier I can’t recall that detail and doesn’t matter for the story. In any case the birth father is totally out of the picture. The young wife is dying of shame at the thought of hurting her husband. Her husband comes in and sees the baby. He picks up the baby and says, “My son! Look at my wonderful son.” Later they show him pushing a pram in the neighborhood calling out to his friends to come see his son. What Grace, what nobility. Best show ever on television.
That is the most noble expresson of a truly loving father, I only hope that he continued to love his wife, that they could work it out so she apologized and he was able to forgive without the marriage failing.
I think the reason this series has done so well is because no matter the topic, it is covered, with love, compassion, and a desire to show, that no matter who you are, or where you come from, whatever stage in life youre at, or what ever you're going through, you have worth. No matter a viewer's position on the topics covered, abortion, contraception, or religion, politics, etc, we are all in the room with these families, and we feel the pain, the anguish, the love, and the laughter they do, and there is so much that we can mull over and think about. I have watched the series multiple times, and it never gets old. I have seen something new or focused on something new each time, and I feel like I'm with old friends and family. Thank you for this behind the scenes peek.
In my opinion- the best tv series ever. It has drama, comedy, sometimes suspense. It always has a lesson to learn every episode. I hope it continues for years and years to come!
When my mom was pregnant with me, she had terrible morning sickness. She was given a prescription that was supposed to help, (she doesn't remember the name of the medication). Her nausea was so bad taking the pill would immediately cause her to vomit, so she gave up trying to take them. I was born in early 1962. I think we may have dodged a bullet.
I believe the medication was called Thalidomide. It was a very popular medication for morning sickness at that time but caused awful birth defects. I was born with Spina Bifida and have often thought throughout my life that no matter the pain I felt/feel it’s nothing compared to what those babies affected by Thalidomide would have faced 😔
My Mon was pregnant with my big sister in 1959 and withe the second one in 1960. She was prescribed thalidomide but she didn’t take it . I was born in December 1963 . Over the years we heard the story of the thalidomide a thousand times.
Same story with me, Dad was in RAF stationed in Germany in early 60s and Mam was pregnant with me suffering morning sickness and was prescribed the new wonder drug Thalidomide, she decided against taking it......
I have the same story but not with me but my older sister that was born in 1959. My mother took it very briefly but stopped, she said it made feel very nauseous. Unfortunately my sister passed at the age of 47 from congestive heart failure.
I loved this series! My maternal grandmother was a practical nurse mid-wife, and she birthed 14 of her own children. All at home. I have so much admiration and respect for midwifery.
😢I loved every minute of every episode & at some point tears were shed…sometimes they were “feel good tears” & other times they were “heartbreaking sobs”!
I’m a nurse, and we all love the show. It is extremely realistic in regards to the scenarios We see around birth and health and relationships and socioeconomic status. I mean, obviously we have more modern equipment and resources nowadays, but in uncomplicated birth, that can turn complicated suddenly still happens. I also really love how the show progresses through the sexual revolution, and addresses issues, like thalidomide, abortion, birth control, etc.
That last statement by the actor playing Dr Turner brought real tears to my eyes. There are so many everyday people throughout history who; through their faithful working out of their vocations (whatever profession they are in), have left the world transformed...bit by little bit. We indeed owe them a debt of gratitude...beginning with learning and telling their stories; however humble. This show does just that, and does so marvelously!❤
Well. I literally just this moment finished season 11. Have been binge watching for weeks. This show has helped me "feel" again ... I commend the writer. And have fallen in love with ALL the characters. Really miss Chummy 💘 hope she comes back... Every person in this show has my heartfelt thanks... Gives me faith in humainity
@@johnshea8943 try to follow it on the PBS websites you may have to still watch on Amazon but PBS is far more up to date with the progress of the show and when it's released to the US, IMHO. PBS you can usually track or watch the Holiday episodes too, which are amazing and they are already reporting about season 12.
I started watching Call the Midwife on PBS and lost track, so when I saw it on Netflix I started from the very beginning.. This show is one of the best shows I’ve ever seenl.. It shows all the good and bad of pregnancy, birth and even diseases of the. 50’s and 60’s. Covers everything.. I remember them all. I will watch it again, I’m sure..
@@marydonohoe8200 I have all 11 seasons on DVD. Bought them thru the years from PBS and Wal-Mart. I just finished watching season 11 around Christmas and now looking forward to season 12 on DVD.
I watch this whole series over and over again. It is my respite from the world of today with no community other than what we can find online, and which I have mostly unplugged from. I watch this show for the love it portrays, the community, the Christian values and for the history. Because of this show, I've bought a hand crank Singer sewing machine, tried Garibaldis and Quality Street and clotted cream. I still cry at every birth. I still weep and feel my own mortality in every death bed scene. I love each character and mourn their passing or moving on to other things. This show reminds me that people are good and life is good and loving people and helping people happens even today, though at times it feels as though it doesn't.
@@bonnylouwho76 Your words are touching. I had my first child at home with a midwife. By the time the second and third came there weren't any midwives practicing where I lived. My youngest is 27 now and she is learning how to sew on that hand crank Singer. She's quite good at it, much better than I am.
This is amazing to hear from the actual cast member themselves this way. I grew up in the 1950's and we were fortunately middle class when the men came back from the war and a housing boom was happening. My first home was a small brick bungalow that was built with after war money and the Gi Bill which helped my dad to buy that home. By the 19We were living in a a second, only slighlty bigger home in a family neighborhood. We had four children, two adults in tiny two bedroom/one bathroom home. My two brothers slept in the unheated breezeway. We had one vehicle that my dad drove to work and my stay at home step-mom brought her two children to this second marriage. I don't ever remember going hungry but we worked hard to get and prepare our food and we ate a lot of gross canned vegetables. Only on Sundays did we have a chicken or a pot roast baking in the oven while we went to church. We drove an hour or so to pick apples and peaches that we canned and my step mother sewed almost all of our clothing. We only has home haircuts and perms, but every one in our neighborhood was in the same situation, multiple children, mothers at home and children in school and father off to work. I think the big difference was that the war had not touch the architecture of the USA the way it had Europe so while live was lived very thrifty it was not the hardship that England and other countries had to bear.
I don't think that there will ever be a show that will top Call the Midwife! 100 stars 🌟 to the writers, actors, set designers, costume designers, research assistants! I have watched ever episode several times and always cry, laugh, and think! One would hope that today's society has become more caring, more thoughtful, more understanding and supportive, more loving by learning about the hardships, struggles, and victories of the very recent past. A million thank yous to all of you for all your hard work and professionalism and for sharing your talents with us.
Having been born in 1954, this series really takes me back in time. Familiar, yet unfamiliar, I was raised Catholic and attended Catholic schools for over 12 years, so I remember many nuns. Like the show, there were nuns I was terrified of and those I nearly worshipped. Yet the show is set in England, and I grew up in the US. So, it is also unfamiliar enough to be interesting. My older brother was born with one short arm and other birth defects that everyone blamed on the medication my mother took while pregnant. Call the Midwife really brought that home to me. I remember the Cuban Missile Crisis, and I was absolutely terrified one day when a plane broke the sound barrier over our house. I thought the end had come. Being a good Catholic, my mother had 9 kids and the show attests accurately to what that was like, including the poverty. I sometimes watch 3 or more episodes in one sitting and my whole family wonders what the attraction is that sometimes has me fighting back the tears. It's a show that pulls on my very soul.
My aunt was born in the very early 1950s in Texas and was diagnosed with severe autism as a very young child. There was so much misunderstanding and so little support for parents, hell they were blaming mothers for their children's autism at that time, that it breaks my heart. I'm glad that this series has been so thoughtful and careful in the stories they tell and the *way* they tell those stories.
I offen wonder what they called ADHD then my child was diagnosed at about 3 with servear hypactivity disorder then wasennt diagnosed till he was just over 5 with ADHD and wasent diagnosed with his autisum till he was 17 or 18 dyuring the lockdown but when I was borne in 68 An started school I myself was labbled very slow learner Ann that was all the way till I Whent to secondary school An the introduction of special schools An did my education I didn't do exams of any sort but I did discovery the art of reading I was at the bottom when I first Whent And at the top of the school before I left I will always rember the first book I read right throug was Silas marner by George Eliot loved it xx
There's still so much misunderstanding with autism. It's very complex. I've had people say thoughtless things to me about my children who have that diagnosis.
Never heard of autism until I transfer to a state hospital in the 1960’s and became aware of these children. We still do not know what causes this disorder. I loved all the boys I worked with for their different personalities. Now I live with one who is my grandson. Big difference with him, is that he functions on a higher level than the boys I worked with. Also these children are raised at home and go to public school. We have come a long way from when I started working with special needs children and adults.
How I wish film and TV makers would think about viewers needing to hear the dialogue over the music. They need to adjust the volume and cut the music when someone is speaking.
I've watched the series several times. I was going through a really rough time and living a bad lifestyle. But this show was something that I used as an inspiration to regain my drive to live life in a meaningful way. The combination of the Sisters and Midwives gave me new role models. It was hard to leave my past, and very lonely. That's how I managed to watch the series so frequently. But I am doing well now and working in a position that is a true vocation. Life is a blessing. Thank you so much for making this series! This is a wonderful way to share the stories of some of the real life in people who are connected to these stories.
What i appreciated most about the series aside from it being a realistic true event base stories, were the beautiful characters of the nurses and nuns, how gracefully and kind they interacted. There was none of this evil surmisings, greed, jealousy, hateful, patheticness u see in most movies. They were working together as a team, were humble, respectful, kind, loving, trustworthy and genuine. I always felt touched by the series w Jenny Lee in it and inspired to love more. ❤
I trained as a midwife in a very similar setting. A wonderful Christian hospital in Woolwich in London in the early 60’s. I also spent several childhood years living in the East End where the series is set. So I could really relate. I was so touched when I saw the first episodes. It brought back a great rush of really wonderful memories. I think many people respond to the Christian values shown in the shows. I have watched several other documentaries on contemporary midwives. There have been so many changes and birth seems much more medicalized today. Of course mothers had lots of support and in those days an average stay after first baby was 10 days, with follow up with the midwives at home. At ten days after coming home, the Health Visitor appeared and the support continued. I think this period was the golden age of the National Health Service.
I think that was what was most striking to me as a young mom; the support these mothers received. Times were certainly not easy for a lot of these women, but there was a sense of community and continued care before and after birth. Thank you for sharing your story
I wish this happened for every new mother! We have had 2 cases of mothers in 🇺🇸 who suffered with post postpartum psychosis and murdered their babies. 😢😢
This series has a special meaning for me, as my great great grandmother, Betsy, was a midwife first in Birmingham and later in West Bromwich. She died in 1928, so a bit before "Call the Midwife," but I think it gives an idea of what her work would have been like. It was only on the 1911 census that her occupation was recorded, which wasn't unusual for married women. Here, she's recorded as a certified nurse and midwife and would probably have had a hands on training, but to get her certification, she would have had to prove her competence. She was probably illiterate. Certainly, she never signed her name on numerous birth and death certificates of family members. When she lived in West Bromwich, she lived in a terraced house a little like Stephen McGann's childhood home - there were 12 children. In the neighbouring five houses, there were other family members and their families. Next door was my grandmother's house, housing 6 siblings, every single one brought into the world by Betsy.
Call the Midwife has been a favorite of mine since the first few minutes of season one, episode one. I have watched it though over and over. I am an American 40 year nurse who always desired to be a midwife but was unable to find training in a feasible local area. My daughter birthed 4 children with midwives which gave me a small bit of vicarious learning. The stories done by Heidi with Jennifer Lee Worth's books as the basis have been the most realistic and satisfying portrayals in any country. Many thanks to all the actors who were in the series and everyone behind the cameras part of this show.
Also in US, was 39 yrs nursing mostly PP, NBN, NICU , lactation support. Back in 70's wasn't finding midwife training except on Hippy communes so used priniciples of midwifery in the hospitals. Coached many women to delivery, massaging backs, putting them in shower, in rocker but fought against forcep deliveries. Was university student health nurse, did fetal hearttones with a plain stethoscope on a student in denial. Would love to see similar show set in US but sadly think no one wants to see how we as women, nurses, advocates were suppressed.
I was a Pediatric nurse in the 60th.Delivered many babies and premature babies ,in Germany. This show is very accurate , detailing this time period. I am reminiscing.
It's good to know that I am not the only obsessed and binge watching it! My mother, who was a nurse starting in 1958, has watched and confirmed how accurate it is. I was born in 1959 and love the historical accuracy!
I have watched all the seasons of Call the Midwife but jut today came across this show. I was born in 1954 in the US Air Force hospital in Wimpool Park, which I understand has been torn down. To realize that CTM covered a period of time beginning just a few years after I was born really hit me. To actually visualize how things were in England at that time is eye opening! Thank you all for making the series and this "behind the story" historical info. Both of my parents have passed now so it made me feel as though I had a glimpse of what their life was like at that time. Thank you so much.
I love this show. They never seem to run out of story lines. Heidi is an excellent writer. You have the Nonnatus House family's continuing background story skillfully interwoven with whatever the weekly story is. It's jam packed with love, loss and excitement. There's something new every week and you find yourself eagerly awaiting the next episode. You never want the season to end; when it does, you find yourself uttering the immortal words of Oliver Twist, "Please, sir, I want some more."
Thank you for this Beautiful documantery. I was Born in ‘54. Remembered the childrens play in the streets. Traint as a nurse in maternity, in a hospital runnen by Nona. I wanted to become a midwife but that didn’t happen. But a lot of memory using the OLD fashion tools. A trip down memory lane. Love the series!❤❤. I’m from the Netherlands.
My great grandmother was a midwife in rural Appalachia. Most refered to her as a "Grannie Woman". She was an herbal healer with generations of healing tradition behind her back to Ireland and Wales. Her grandparents grave stone bore their names and the words, "Herb Doctors, born in Ireland".
this is one of the best humane TV show. it makes you cry it makes you laugh, but most of all it makes feel what it is to be human. I Love this show and am sad everytime. a series ends.
As an American Nurse, I wish things were the same today. I love the support and education the nurse provided the new mother. It remindd me of home care nursing in a sense. How special to aid in the delivery and have a chance to see the mother and baby up to 14 days post delivery. Lovely show how mid wifery, and Nursing has changed over the years
I’ve been watching this series for years! The best series there ever was. I end up in tears all the time. Sometimes in joy sometimes in sorrow but that is life. I am so happy to have found this show to give insight to the people who made it and who lived it. THANK YOU!
As a baby of the 60's I followed this show with keen interest. Mentioned was the prejudice so many people still felt against anything different. Not just black and white, but so much more. I was born in Germany, to a British soldier, married to a German wife. Even after two decades after the war, there was still a wall of distrust by either side. As a child I heard comments about not marrying within your socially set confines. I love how this program touched on social stigma, and how it was eventually overcome. Great show. I am completely transported into the settings when I watch it. I have even dreamed about the characters, as they were played so well. All the way around a truly amazing program.
East Canada here and feel very privileged to be able to have access to watch this show. I am so moved and deeply reflective when watching this series. I so look forward to so many more to come. 💝🇨🇦
I love this series more than any other. The spirit and goodness remains a healing balm. When our world seems callus and terrible, the makers of this beautiful series remind us that goodness and mercy exist. A large number of people produced it and millions relate to it. We couldn't love it if we did not have empathy and godliness in us.
19:56 Our family didn’t have a lot of money, my father was a blue-collar worker. We always had enough to eat but lived in rental homes all over the state. Never, did we ever see or experience living conditions like the one that said this photographer documented. Quite shocking. I was born in Portland Oregon in 1958. Not delivered by a midwife, but rather at what was then called Multnomah County Hospital on Marquam Hill, Portland, Oregon- now known as OHSU- Oregon Health Sciences University. I was the seventh of nine full-term pregnancies. As far as I know, all of us were born in hospitals. The first in 1941, and the last one born in 1961. All but one survived to adulthood. I’m posting this because I am startled at the cultural difference between, say Liverpool England and Portland Oregon in the same span of time in history. I’m pretty impressed with the organization and dedication of these midwives in England. Both my own children were delivered by midwives but it was definitely at a hospital. Homebirths are done in the US, but most people have their babies in a hospital facility- not because pregnancy and childbirth are looked upon as an “Illness“ in the US, but rather to facilitate ease of intervention should anything go wrong with a mother or baby.
Better than in the 1800's in US, when physicians and their students went straight from performing autopsies on women who died in childbirth, to delivering babies w/o even washing their hands. You can imagine the results.
I was born at OHSU 33 years after you, in 1991. Thank you so much for sharing this little bit of your life story- not only for the fascinating historical/cultural memory you hold, but also because it was such a pleasant surprise to randomly come across another OHSU baby here in a Call The Midwife comment section 😊
To Call the Midwives is my best program. They are perfect in every way. My grandmother was a midwife from her home in Newfoundland and Labrador in the early 1900s. Every actor has done such beautiful work to make us the viewers feel like we were right there. I love the scripts they made me laugh and cry. I am from Nova Scotia Canada and enjoy your work.
I've loved every minute of every show. I think it shows humanity caring for humans in difficult situations,,always trying to do the right thing. Imagine, finding out that a drug is causing such harm, and going door to door to retrieve the pills. So different that what goes on today. And they do it all with courage and humor! Bravo to all involved!
I just binge watched all 11 seasons in time to start the Season 12 premiere on Christmas night! This is the best series I have ever witnessed! Incredible actors, incredibly written! I worked as a labor and delivery nurse and it took me right back. I could not believe how real it seemed. I lost my Dad last May and have been immersed in grief and this program has been quite cathartic. One episode with a district patient in heart failure hit entirely too close to home and I cried throughout with a broken heart but actually felt a little lighter and not so alone after. Thank you for making such an incredible program!!!
This show is amazing. I have watched since Season 1 and I have laughed and cried and have been educated. I love learning, so that part of the show really attracts me, but the characters have all entered my heart and they have left holes when they leave the show. I find that I can't wait to see what will happen to the main characters next. There have been some real surprises over the years. I think that this is what keeps me coming back to the show year after year, it's like visiting with family each week. I just wish that the British shows did more episodes each season, I can never get enough!
This is just one of the best tv shows of my life. I was born in 63 and all my life with television shows, this is up at the top. I watch it intently at times and at times I fall asleep to it. It is like a big family in a big house with familiar voices and delightful theme music.
Wow, this special was stunning -- for one who has never been to England but does love history and is a huge CTM fan, just the visuals alone made me feel like I was in Liverpool and not where I am actually stuck. (😉l hate Ottawa!) It reminds me of helping my mother do laundry with a wringer washing machine, which l enjoyed as a child (l don't know why?🤔) The poverty isn't what's nostalgic to me, it's the creativity & innovation we learned from it-- even something like making new cards from old cards! I am soooo glad l grew up riding a bike, doing crafts, playing board games & records, walking in the outdoors, and talking to friends *face to face* . We all had after-school or weekend jobs & an activity or sport. We didn't need to be enrolled in soccer, gymnastics, baseball, swimming & tap dance at the same time to be entertained or over-stimulated! Kids were definitely in much better shape back then as well, because we didn't suffer with overly developed thumb muscles. Kids today really don't know the sweet & simple things they missed😕. I hope there are more CTM specials like this available on Utube!🤞🏻. Well done all round, thank❤️ you for this!👍🏻😃🐾🌈☮️🇨🇦✌🏻
This was wonderful! I just watched the 2022 Christmas special and am so looking forward to the next season. I am a retired OB nurse, and I know all of my colleagues love this show as much as I do.
I’m a retired RN also. Retired on a medical early as I was involved in a bad accident . I was set to go back to school to become a midwife when I had the life changing accident and had to retire. This show is the best. Sunday night belong to me, even though I record it to the DVR, that way I can watch it over and over. Call me crazy……
This documentary was made with the same exceptional care, research, & dedication of the entire series, from day one! The analogy of building a beautiful cathedral stone by stone was brilliant!! Thank you to everyone who had a hand in the Series & in this Documentary! All of you have contributed to such a memorable & significant historical (fictional/non-fictional) account of an important part of being human!
I was surprised to learn that Stephen lived in a street not to far from were I live now he lived in Kensington I live in old swan which is the next town from his n Liverpool x
Thank you for this excellent documentary, especially the interview with the delightful thalidomide survivor. What sets CTM apart from most media is the intelligence, authenticity, optimism, elevating the best rather than worst in humanity, and the strong tradition of women helping women. As stated, pregnancy is a normal function and not a disease. Hospitals provide amazing, life-saving care when it is truly needed. However, most women need time and tender care that respects their individual needs during pregnancy and delivery. Good postpartum care would prevent so many problems, including child abuse. Since CTM can only come forward in time so far, I would love to see an offshoot addressing other projects. Maybe the nuns working in Africa with polio victims, child nutrition, the natural helpers that preceded social workers, etc. It is such a delight to watch something uplifting rather than risking brain cell loss on silly, snarky darkness.
Call the Midwife is one of my very favorite shows. The attention to detail and the heart felt story lines depicted by the cast and crew are just simply wonderful. There is nothing better I think, then a nice cup of tea and a couple biscuits while watching the show. Of course I always make sure I have a box of tissue near by, as I'm sure to cry and laugh with every episode. Thank you for this lovely documentary and further in-depth look at the actual lives.
A tribute to all who participated in this exquisite collection of stories so finely depicting a bygone Era. With Vanessa Redgrave's narrations, bringing it all together so succinctly. Beautifully done! Bravo!!!
I loved this series and find it close to reality. The ones that hit me hard were the the abortion and thalidomide babies. I worked as a NICU nurse in the early '80s. I cried every time we lost a baby. I ended up having 2 premature babies after weeks of bedrest. I was lucky to have my sons.
"I think I came into the world apologizing and have been apologizing ever since!" So heartfelt and humble. This is so touching seeing where "Dr. Turner" was born and grew up.
This was so great. I love how they are telling real stories. I think the fact that it's not portraying a perfect idealized story makes this a great show. It's my all time favorite show.
I love this show, it’s very special and family oriented, and great Hope and Love in humanity. Thank you! Congrats to all those that produced it, wrote it, actors… Tysm.
I lived my own version of this incredible show. There are too many things to commend about it to mention but it has become very personal for me. Like so many others, commenting here, I actually stumbled upon it for the first time while sitting with a woman who has multiple disabilities, and she was watching it ( season 11) Unlike other shows however, each episode was a beautiful story in and of itself so I didn’t feel lost in the storyline coming in so late. I was hooked! I have been binge watching from season 1 ever since like so many others have mentioned. At least for the situations that are explored in the series, I have lived through 4 of them personally. In the early 1980s I gave birth as an unwed mother of 19 and placed my son for adoption. I know that feeling from so many of the angles explored. I am so fortunate to have not come from poverty however and to have had resources that were available to me that were not for women in the 50s and 60s so affected by poverty. I can relate however to the shame, loneliness, possible loss of my future, (as I was in college at the time) the secretiveness (from my father) and the difficult decision to place for adoption. I also went through the the last minute change of heart, etc. I remember so clearly walking out of the hospital with my wonderful mother and aunt who are the only family members who knew about it and the tremendous sorrow and frustration I felt as they were just desperate to have me “happy again”and struggled with allowing me to grieve while delivering the “we just need to MoveOn“ peptalk. I am happy to say the adoption went well, and we were miraculously reunited when he was nearly 20 years old. He is now almost 40. I am also a birth mom, who adopted one of my three sons at birth after I had 4 yrs earlier had to have a partial hysterectomy, because I had a retained placenta after my previous birth. Experiencing that kind of loss and terror was also explored in the series and took me right back in my mind and heart. . Remarkably, I also experienced as well complex feelings that come along with abortion. I came to appreciate beyond measure the role of a midwife and the relationships and challenges they encounter and the love , patience and endurance those who bring life into the world must experience and it doesn’t end after they deliver a baby. It’s easy to go through traumatic things in life and forget how many people around you are also affected. There are not many episodes where I have not shed a tear or two. Thank you to the creators of the show for keeping it so real while being respectful and gracious and appreciative and showing more than just a glimpse of what women have been strong enough to endure from the beginning of history.
This was a wonderful documentary. It's obvious that those who work on this show are very committed to making it the best possible representation of midwifery they can. The quality of the show has continued through 11 series. I have watched the whole production about three times and it never gets tired.
I simply cannot thank you enough for this fabulous series. I have watched many of the episodes over and over as they have kept my faith in life and humanity as I have been struggling through these last three difficult years. Just about every single episode makes me cry because I love to see these very strong women birth these miracles. Bless you all for this wonderful series.
It is such an amazing series. In many ways for me, it is a woman's history lesson and a medical one. It is a documentary of how our world has evolved and why our contributions to it are very important to the well-being of the next generation following us. Here in America, we going through, once more, trying times as females. We have a certain segment of our society that is trying to move us back into those difficult years when being a fertile female is not only a health risk to us but to our families, and our relationships. So many women have worked so very hard to improve the lives of their children. This unnecessary fight, these problem-making people are using this issue to distract us from tackling real-life problems, like how to mentor children with learning disabilities, cure debilitating illnesses, and resolve the housing crisis that has been plaguing the US for now, too many years. Still, the series gives women like me so much hope that I can contribute something to improve the lives of children and their families. To be a witness to these incredible, if merely a representation of, the people who came before us, We get to share their experiences and learn from their work how to better ourselves just a little bit more.
You would have to be soulless if this story doesn’t move you! Such a well done show. It has opened my eyes to learning more about that drug and the horrible birth defects that developed because of it! Every episode makes me cry like a baby. My husband can tell what show I am watching just by looking at my face, lol!
Each episode brings a glimmer of hope and joy. It's such a beautiful series that reminds me that there are still people full of selflessness and dedication through their work.💓
I just finished Jennifer Worth's book, after already watching all 11 seasons. I now have a new appreciation for all the characters and especially Sister Evangelina.
I was born in "57". I recall the term "Mongolian or Mongaloid" children who were looked down upon. I was not yet 9yrs old & I recall how frustrated my beloved "Mamà" was at hpw many made fun of these beautiful children. Well, they of course are renamed or re-termed "Down Syndrome. Better yet, this beautiful child, Samuel has Down Syndrome. They are beautiful, talented, loving & they are such a Blessing. 🙏 "Isa"
Hello from Canada, I am a huge fan and this video of real life history was portrayed beautifully, thank you call of the midwife staff and Steven all all the actors who invest so much love and time into accuracy and respect for lives that were and are lived , thank you and God bless this true to life made for Television Series❤️🇨🇦🇬🇧🥰🙏🙏🙏
I am thrilled to have found this video! I remember being so enthralled with the Midwife show which vanished after a few episodes on PBS. I now realize I missed my calling and the wonderment of watching the miracle of birth. I remember at college seeing the first televised birth at the school, the sniggering and immature laughter whilst I had tears running down my face with seeing the MIRACLE of a baby being born. Now I'll see if I can locate the episodes of this show. I PRAY the next installment of 7-UP will happen.
Es la serie más hermosa que e visto .todo lo que sucede en la vida real . Tengo una sobrina que está en su último año de obstetricia. Ellas hacen un trabajo maravilloso. Me encantaría ver este documental en español 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Cariños de Linares Chile 🇨🇱
This series is my all time favorite. The stories draw you in, you feel their joy and/or their sadness. With each birth you knew what the mothers were going trough (having had 3 babies myself). I loved all the characters and was sad when they left. I may end up watching this again. A great show to binge watch!
This series is such a treasure🎉 A glilmpse into the past🎉 A demonstration of love in poverty & hardship. I hope the writers gives me years & years of episodes.
When I first started watching Call The Midwife back in 2014, I had come across it on Netflix. I was bored, looking for something different to watch. Didn't have cable or access to live television. I had no idea that I would fall absolutely in love with the stories, the characters. The entire show. It was the best idea out of boredom that I had ever had, and I always look forward to the start of the new series, and then the one day of the year when we all get the same episode on the same day. Christmas. Never before has a show made me want to binge it over and over again. Made me laugh and cry all in one episode. Made me angry at certain points. This is a beautiful show, and I believe I will be saddened the day it comes to an end.
I absolutely can’t get enough of this show!! Love all the characters! I love that there’s not sex scenes as other shows have. I always shed tears (whether it’s happy or sad tears). My mother had my sister, then two miscarriages before she had me. She was a nurse and I grew up loving learning about medicine (like Tim Turner). Great job on the show guys!!
I also wish more people/ writer's would put out series like Call of the mid wife 💞 instead of the garage that's being pushed out. Thank you again for all your time 🙏🙏
I love this show. I could relate to the nurses in the late 50's, as that was when my mom was a nurse. When the 1962 season rolled around, I said, "That could be me!" since I was born that year. I studied to be a midwife myself, but that was not to be my destination as a nurse. However, I have truly appreciated the reality of what I have seen in this series, even the moral issues where I may have some disagreement with. Keep on telling the stories, for all the midwives of the past, present & future, & for those of us that just love seeing the birth a of new little life. Thank you!
I love this show! My great aunt in Italy was a midwife with no medical training, but still delivered babies or help with animals in her village. My mom's cousin delieved her and all her brothers in 1907 to 1919 and beyond. I had met her once to bad to young to ask her questions. I guess that's why I adore the show!
I absolutely love this series! I’ve watched and rewatched it 3 times! I’m currently on my 4th time of watching it! I love the feeling of comfort & familiarity of the characters. ❤
I've watched from the beginning when this wonderful series first started & was immediately captivated by everything it encapsulated! Wonderful stories that draws you in, the writing, back drop of every episode, the characters & character development is marvelous. Since I was a child I was drawn to the stories, poems, writing, movies & TV series out of Britain, Europe in general. Over the past decade plus, American TV series are just awful, but Call the Midwife like a list of others is the reason we are able to enjoy these gems. It's because of unique untold original stories, great writing & acting that fortunately hasn't been lost by some!! I'd like to thank all involved for your hard work & dedication to bring us all this wonderful series!! It's greatly appreciated
I’ve watch this program since day 1 and have loved it from moment 1. Every character is so charming and heartfelt. Sheilagh will always be my favourite
The BEST acted series I've ever seen! I'm a retired labor nurse. I shed many tears watching these events!
So good to hear. I watched every episode more than once. Being laid up with a triple broken ankle gave me the time.
I worked in a high risk university OB unit. We all delivered babies. “Call the Midwife” reminds me of that and my home health nurse days. Wonderful series.
Love this series ~watching it now for the second time. Also bought the video 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️❤️❤️
I've watched the series from season 1 and have all 11 seasons on DVD. I cried when Sr. Evangelina died and was hoping after Chummy got married to officer Noakes and had a baby she'd stay. A lot of my favorite characters are now gone. Looking forward to season 12 on DVD.
Totally agree..The absolute best..Cried in almost every one. I could FEEL again.
I think Call the Midwife should be included in high school curriculum! It sensitively covers so many important social and historical topics!
We found out about the show because my niece is a nurse/midwife and then went on to become a doctor, too.
It really does!!
This show is absolutely amazing. I mourn every time a beloved character leaves the show. And every single character ends up being loved! Dearly miss Chummy and sister Evangelina.
I miss them, too! I missed Jenny Lee the most.
Chummy has been my favourite character, I think in any show i’ve ever watched!! ❤ she’s wonderful ❤
I miss Sister Evangelina and, oddly enough, Sister Monica Joan's random, out of the blue comments about the planets aligning. She's not the same after they made her more lucid.
I still cry when I think of Barbara’s death. A terrible shock, and loss of a lovely character and wonderful actress. I, too, miss Evangeline. But I also love some of the new characters, like Lucille. The actress who portrays Sister Monica Joan is top notch! It’s just a great show.
And they tease us with sister Monica Joan’s health! I dread the day she leaves the show. If she leaves.
One episode always sticks in my mind.
A young woman has married a sweet older man. He marries her for love and to help her pull of severe deprivation. In the show she is in labor at home crying that she cannot have the baby. When the baby is born it is obvious his father was black. The young wife had had a brief affair with a very handsome black man, maybe an American soldier I can’t recall that detail and doesn’t matter for the story. In any case the birth father is totally out of the picture. The young wife is dying of shame at the thought of hurting her husband. Her husband comes in and sees the baby.
He picks up the baby and says, “My son! Look at my wonderful son.” Later they show him pushing a pram in the neighborhood calling out to his friends to come see his son.
What Grace, what nobility.
Best show ever on television.
I remember that episode. It really tugged at my heart strings!
That is the most noble expresson of a truly loving father, I only hope that he continued to love his wife, that they could work it out so she apologized and he was able to forgive without the marriage failing.
I just watched that episode!!! Season 1 I just started the show
You re-told this episode beautifully......brought tears to my eyes. Thank you......
@@bonnylouwho76you do know it’s a fictional show with a script right
I think the reason this series has done so well is because no matter the topic, it is covered, with love, compassion, and a desire to show, that no matter who you are, or where you come from, whatever stage in life youre at, or what ever you're going through, you have worth. No matter a viewer's position on the topics covered, abortion, contraception, or religion, politics, etc, we are all in the room with these families, and we feel the pain, the anguish, the love, and the laughter they do, and there is so much that we can mull over and think about.
I have watched the series multiple times, and it never gets old. I have seen something new or focused on something new each time, and I feel like I'm with old friends and family. Thank you for this behind the scenes peek.
Es una serie maravillosa ,yo también he sido enfermera en domicilio,claro en otra época,; están muy bien tratados los diferentes temas.
Y es una pena porque quisiera verla otra vez entera y ya no está en Netflix.
In my opinion- the best tv series ever. It has drama, comedy, sometimes suspense. It always has a lesson to learn every episode. I hope it continues for years and years to come!
The very best series ever made is right
Yes, years and years🎉🎉
Sad though, those poor people😪😪😪😪
Same
I never want this show to end! ❤
When my mom was pregnant with me, she had terrible morning sickness. She was given a prescription that was supposed to help, (she doesn't remember the name of the medication). Her nausea was so bad taking the pill would immediately cause her to vomit, so she gave up trying to take them. I was born in early 1962. I think we may have dodged a bullet.
I believe the medication was called Thalidomide. It was a very popular medication for morning sickness at that time but caused awful birth defects. I was born with Spina Bifida and have often thought throughout my life that no matter the pain I felt/feel it’s nothing compared to what those babies affected by Thalidomide would have faced 😔
My Mon was pregnant with my big sister in 1959 and withe the second one in 1960. She was prescribed thalidomide but she didn’t take it . I was born in December 1963 . Over the years we heard the story of the thalidomide a thousand times.
Same story with me, Dad was in RAF stationed in Germany in early 60s and Mam was pregnant with me suffering morning sickness and was prescribed the new wonder drug Thalidomide, she decided against taking it......
This may not work for everyone: try ginger ale soda or ginger spice straight out of the spice jar.
I have the same story but not with me but my older sister that was born in 1959. My mother took it very briefly but stopped, she said it made feel very nauseous. Unfortunately my sister passed at the age of 47 from congestive heart failure.
I loved this series! My maternal grandmother was a practical nurse mid-wife, and she birthed 14 of her own children. All at home. I have so much admiration and respect for midwifery.
I don't think I've ever watched one episode of this wonderful series when I haven't shed a tear.
Same with me!
Me too
@@patsyjudd2117 Same here!
same here!
😢I loved every minute of every episode & at some point tears were shed…sometimes they were “feel good tears” & other times they were “heartbreaking sobs”!
I’m a nurse, and we all love the show. It is extremely realistic in regards to the scenarios We see around birth and health and relationships and socioeconomic status. I mean, obviously we have more modern equipment and resources nowadays, but in uncomplicated birth, that can turn complicated suddenly still happens. I also really love how the show progresses through the sexual revolution, and addresses issues, like thalidomide, abortion, birth control, etc.
That last statement by the actor playing Dr Turner brought real tears to my eyes. There are so many everyday people throughout history who; through their faithful working out of their vocations (whatever profession they are in), have left the world transformed...bit by little bit. We indeed owe them a debt of gratitude...beginning with learning and telling their stories; however humble. This show does just that, and does so marvelously!❤
Well. I literally just this moment finished season 11. Have been binge watching for weeks. This show has helped me "feel" again ... I commend the writer. And have fallen in love with ALL the characters. Really miss Chummy 💘 hope she comes back... Every person in this show has my heartfelt thanks... Gives me faith in humainity
Times were diffrent back then God did look out for all those midwives I feel the same way you do a great feel good show
I miss Chummy too.. such a wonderful character
@@johnshea8943 try to follow it on the PBS websites you may have to still watch on Amazon but PBS is far more up to date with the progress of the show and when it's released to the US, IMHO.
PBS you can usually track or watch the Holiday episodes too, which are amazing and they are already reporting about season 12.
Every season a character leaves I am sad! I can’t wait for season 12
I found out that Iiked this show,too!Call the midwife was a lovely 🥰 show!
I started watching Call the Midwife on PBS and lost track, so when I saw it on Netflix I started from the very beginning.. This show is one of the best shows I’ve ever seenl.. It shows all the good and bad of pregnancy, birth and even diseases of the. 50’s and 60’s. Covers everything.. I remember them all. I will watch it again, I’m sure..
Thank you, Marie! I had no idea it was on Netflix.
@@marydonohoe8200 I have all 11 seasons on DVD. Bought them thru the years from PBS and Wal-Mart. I just finished watching season 11 around Christmas and now looking forward to season 12 on DVD.
@@BlondiNativeAme3 you have a DVD player? I don't even have a CD player, though I have bins of CDs!
@@lorrie2878: Well, if you have a computer or laptop with a disc drive, it plays both DVDs and CDs!
I watch this whole series over and over again. It is my respite from the world of today with no community other than what we can find online, and which I have mostly unplugged from. I watch this show for the love it portrays, the community, the Christian values and for the history. Because of this show, I've bought a hand crank Singer sewing machine, tried Garibaldis and Quality Street and clotted cream. I still cry at every birth. I still weep and feel my own mortality in every death bed scene. I love each character and mourn their passing or moving on to other things. This show reminds me that people are good and life is good and loving people and helping people happens even today, though at times it feels as though it doesn't.
@@bonnylouwho76 Your words are touching. I had my first child at home with a midwife. By the time the second and third came there weren't any midwives practicing where I lived. My youngest is 27 now and she is learning how to sew on that hand crank Singer. She's quite good at it, much better than I am.
❤
I can get lost away from this old horrid world in this show.....
This is amazing to hear from the actual cast member themselves this way. I grew up in the 1950's and we were fortunately middle class when the men came back from the war and a housing boom was happening. My first home was a small brick bungalow that was built with after war money and the Gi Bill which helped my dad to buy that home. By the 19We were living in a a second, only slighlty bigger home in a family neighborhood. We had four children, two adults in tiny two bedroom/one bathroom home. My two brothers slept in the unheated breezeway. We had one vehicle that my dad drove to work and my stay at home step-mom brought her two children to this second marriage. I don't ever remember going hungry but we worked hard to get and prepare our food and we ate a lot of gross canned vegetables. Only on Sundays did we have a chicken or a pot roast baking in the oven while we went to church. We drove an hour or so to pick apples and peaches that we canned and my step mother sewed almost all of our clothing. We only has home haircuts and perms, but every one in our neighborhood was in the same situation, multiple children, mothers at home and children in school and father off to work. I think the big difference was that the war had not touch the architecture of the USA the way it had Europe so while live was lived very thrifty it was not the hardship that England and other countries had to bear.
I don't think that there will ever be a show that will top Call the Midwife! 100 stars 🌟 to the writers, actors, set designers, costume designers, research assistants! I have watched ever episode several times and always cry, laugh, and think! One would hope that today's society has become more caring, more thoughtful, more understanding and supportive, more loving by learning about the hardships, struggles, and victories of the very recent past. A million thank yous to all of you for all your hard work and professionalism and for sharing your talents with us.
I couldn't agree more..The absolute best show ever, in all of my 63 years..
I'm a retired Labor /Delivery nurse. Love this programme and the accuracy. Thanks for making this documentary.
Hello 👋 how are you doing?
Having been born in 1954, this series really takes me back in time. Familiar, yet unfamiliar, I was raised Catholic and attended Catholic schools for over 12 years, so I remember many nuns. Like the show, there were nuns I was terrified of and those I nearly worshipped. Yet the show is set in England, and I grew up in the US. So, it is also unfamiliar enough to be interesting. My older brother was born with one short arm and other birth defects that everyone blamed on the medication my mother took while pregnant. Call the Midwife really brought that home to me. I remember the Cuban Missile Crisis, and I was absolutely terrified one day when a plane broke the sound barrier over our house. I thought the end had come. Being a good Catholic, my mother had 9 kids and the show attests accurately to what that was like, including the poverty. I sometimes watch 3 or more episodes in one sitting and my whole family wonders what the attraction is that sometimes has me fighting back the tears. It's a show that pulls on my very soul.
My aunt was born in the very early 1950s in Texas and was diagnosed with severe autism as a very young child. There was so much misunderstanding and so little support for parents, hell they were blaming mothers for their children's autism at that time, that it breaks my heart. I'm glad that this series has been so thoughtful and careful in the stories they tell and the *way* they tell those stories.
I offen wonder what they called ADHD then my child was diagnosed at about 3 with servear hypactivity disorder then wasennt diagnosed till he was just over 5 with ADHD and wasent diagnosed with his autisum till he was 17 or 18 dyuring the lockdown but when I was borne in 68 An started school I myself was labbled very slow learner Ann that was all the way till I Whent to secondary school An the introduction of special schools An did my education I didn't do exams of any sort but I did discovery the art of reading I was at the bottom when I first Whent And at the top of the school before I left I will always rember the first book I read right throug was Silas marner by George Eliot loved it xx
There's still so much misunderstanding with autism. It's very complex. I've had people say thoughtless things to me about my children who have that diagnosis.
Never heard of autism until I transfer to a state hospital in the 1960’s and became aware of these children. We still do not know what causes this disorder. I loved all the boys I worked with for their different personalities. Now I live with one who is my grandson. Big difference with him, is that he functions on a higher level than the boys I worked with. Also these children are raised at home and go to public school. We have come a long way from when I started working with special needs children and adults.
@@bonniearmstrong6564hiiif
How I wish film and TV makers would think about viewers needing to hear the dialogue over the music. They need to adjust the volume and cut the music when someone is speaking.
Amen. I am so glad to hear other people say this. The music is so darn loud so you turn it down then they talk and you can’t hear them!!!
I had to use captions and turn down the volume.
Call the midwife is my comfort show
Mine as well!!
Same
I've watched the series several times. I was going through a really rough time and living a bad lifestyle. But this show was something that I used as an inspiration to regain my drive to live life in a meaningful way. The combination of the Sisters and Midwives gave me new role models. It was hard to leave my past, and very lonely. That's how I managed to watch the series so frequently. But I am doing well now and working in a position that is a true vocation. Life is a blessing. Thank you so much for making this series! This is a wonderful way to share the stories of some of the real life in people who are connected to these stories.
I am so happy for you. I am sure you are a blessing to those around you.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us
Who doesn’t love Dr. Turner?
What i appreciated most about the series aside from it being a realistic true event base stories, were the beautiful characters of the nurses and nuns, how gracefully and kind they interacted. There was none of this evil surmisings, greed, jealousy, hateful, patheticness u see in most movies. They were working together as a team, were humble, respectful, kind, loving, trustworthy and genuine. I always felt touched by the series w Jenny Lee in it and inspired to love more. ❤
This is , without a doubt , one of the best series on TV. I absolutely love all the characters and the realistic stories! Thank you
I trained as a midwife in a very similar setting. A wonderful Christian hospital in Woolwich in London in the early 60’s. I also spent several childhood years living in the East End where the series is set. So I could really relate.
I was so touched when I saw the first episodes. It brought back a great rush of really wonderful memories. I think many people respond to the Christian values shown in the shows. I have watched several other documentaries on contemporary midwives. There have been so many changes and birth seems much more medicalized today. Of course mothers had lots of support and in those days an average stay after first baby was 10 days, with follow up with the midwives at home. At ten days after coming home, the Health Visitor appeared and the support continued. I think this period was the golden age of the National Health Service.
I think that was what was most striking to me as a young mom; the support these mothers received. Times were certainly not easy for a lot of these women, but there was a sense of community and continued care before and after birth. Thank you for sharing your story
I wish this happened for every new mother! We have had 2 cases of mothers in 🇺🇸 who suffered with post postpartum psychosis and murdered their babies. 😢😢
The love and respect shown by the parents of the children affected by Thalidomide is truly moving! Each child is a precious gift!
This series has a special meaning for me, as my great great grandmother, Betsy, was a midwife first in Birmingham and later in West Bromwich. She died in 1928, so a bit before "Call the Midwife," but I think it gives an idea of what her work would have been like. It was only on the 1911 census that her occupation was recorded, which wasn't unusual for married women. Here, she's recorded as a certified nurse and midwife and would probably have had a hands on training, but to get her certification, she would have had to prove her competence. She was probably illiterate. Certainly, she never signed her name on numerous birth and death certificates of family members. When she lived in West Bromwich, she lived in a terraced house a little like Stephen McGann's childhood home - there were 12 children. In the neighbouring five houses, there were other family members and their families. Next door was my grandmother's house, housing 6 siblings, every single one brought into the world by Betsy.
Call the Midwife has been a favorite of mine since the first few minutes of season one, episode one. I have watched it though over and over. I am an American 40 year nurse who always desired to be a midwife but was unable to find training in a feasible local area. My daughter birthed 4 children with midwives which gave me a small bit of vicarious learning. The stories done by Heidi with Jennifer Lee Worth's books as the basis have been the most realistic and satisfying portrayals in any country. Many thanks to all the actors who were in the series and everyone behind the cameras part of this show.
Also in US, was 39 yrs nursing mostly PP, NBN, NICU , lactation support. Back in 70's wasn't finding midwife training except on Hippy communes so used priniciples of midwifery in the hospitals. Coached many women to delivery, massaging backs, putting them in shower, in rocker but fought against forcep deliveries. Was university student health nurse, did fetal hearttones with a plain stethoscope on a student in denial. Would love to see similar show set in US but sadly think no one wants to see how we as women, nurses, advocates were suppressed.
I was a Pediatric nurse in the 60th.Delivered many babies and premature babies ,in Germany. This show is very accurate , detailing this time period.
I am reminiscing.
It's good to know that I am not the only obsessed and binge watching it! My mother, who was a nurse starting in 1958, has watched and confirmed how accurate it is. I was born in 1959 and love the historical accuracy!
I have watched all the seasons of Call the Midwife but jut today came across this show. I was born in 1954 in the US Air Force hospital in Wimpool Park, which I understand has been torn down. To realize that CTM covered a period of time beginning just a few years after I was born really hit me. To actually visualize how things were in England at that time is eye opening! Thank you all for making the series and this "behind the story" historical info. Both of my parents have passed now so it made me feel as though I had a glimpse of what their life was like at that time. Thank you so much.
Hi how are you doing?
I love this show. They never seem to run out of story lines. Heidi is an excellent writer. You have the Nonnatus House family's continuing background story skillfully interwoven with whatever the weekly story is. It's jam packed with love, loss and excitement. There's something new every week and you find yourself eagerly awaiting the next episode. You never want the season to end; when it does, you find yourself uttering the immortal words of Oliver Twist, "Please, sir, I want some more."
Thank you for this Beautiful documantery. I was Born in ‘54. Remembered the childrens play in the streets. Traint as a nurse in maternity, in a hospital runnen by Nona. I wanted to become a midwife but that didn’t happen. But a lot of memory using the OLD fashion tools. A trip down memory lane. Love the series!❤❤. I’m from the Netherlands.
My great grandmother was a midwife in rural Appalachia. Most refered to her as a "Grannie Woman". She was an herbal healer with generations of healing tradition behind her back to Ireland and Wales. Her grandparents grave stone bore their names and the words, "Herb Doctors, born in Ireland".
I absolutely L💖VE...this show !!!
I was born in 1957.…I think I was a miracle with arms and legs !!!.....
IM SOOO THANKFUL...💖😉
Call the midwife is so beautiful, it is so needed in this world right now ❤
I am a RN with 4 children. I have been a huge fan since episode 1. Thank you for a beautiful meaningful show about life.
I watched these episodes over and over, couldn't get enough of them. Love children and adults who cared for them. Thank you
this is one of the best humane TV show. it makes you cry it makes you laugh, but most of all it makes feel what it is to be human. I Love this show and am sad everytime. a series ends.
As an American Nurse, I wish things were the same today. I love the support and education the nurse provided the new mother. It remindd me of home care nursing in a sense. How special to aid in the delivery and have a chance to see the mother and baby up to 14 days post delivery. Lovely show how mid wifery, and Nursing has changed over the years
I’ve been watching this series for years! The best series there ever was. I end up in tears all the time. Sometimes in joy sometimes in sorrow but that is life. I am so happy to have found this show to give insight to the people who made it and who lived it. THANK YOU!
Hello how’re you doing?
As a baby of the 60's I followed this show with keen interest. Mentioned was the prejudice so many people still felt against anything different. Not just black and white, but so much more. I was born in Germany, to a British soldier, married to a German wife. Even after two decades after the war, there was still a wall of distrust by either side. As a child I heard comments about not marrying within your socially set confines. I love how this program touched on social stigma, and how it was eventually overcome. Great show. I am completely transported into the settings when I watch it. I have even dreamed about the characters, as they were played so well. All the way around a truly amazing program.
East Canada here and feel very privileged to be able to have access to watch this show. I am so moved and deeply reflective when watching this series. I so look forward to so many more to come. 💝🇨🇦
I love this series more than any other. The spirit and goodness remains a healing balm. When our world seems callus and terrible, the makers of this beautiful series remind us that goodness and mercy exist. A large number of people produced it and millions relate to it. We couldn't love it if we did not have empathy and godliness in us.
19:56 Our family didn’t have a lot of money, my father was a blue-collar worker. We always had enough to eat but lived in rental homes all over the state. Never, did we ever see or experience living conditions like the one that said this photographer documented. Quite shocking.
I was born in Portland Oregon in 1958. Not delivered by a midwife, but rather at what was then called Multnomah County Hospital on Marquam Hill, Portland, Oregon- now known as OHSU- Oregon Health Sciences University.
I was the seventh of nine full-term pregnancies. As far as I know, all of us were born in hospitals. The first in 1941, and the last one born in 1961. All but one survived to adulthood.
I’m posting this because I am startled at the cultural difference between, say Liverpool England and Portland Oregon in the same span of time in history.
I’m pretty impressed with the organization and dedication of these midwives in England. Both my own children were delivered by midwives but it was definitely at a hospital. Homebirths are done in the US, but most people have their babies in a hospital facility- not because pregnancy and childbirth are looked upon as an “Illness“ in the US, but rather to facilitate ease of intervention should anything go wrong with a mother or baby.
Better than in the 1800's in US, when physicians and their students went straight from performing autopsies on women who died in childbirth, to delivering babies w/o even washing their hands. You can imagine the results.
I was born at OHSU 33 years after you, in 1991. Thank you so much for sharing this little bit of your life story- not only for the fascinating historical/cultural memory you hold, but also because it was such a pleasant surprise to randomly come across another OHSU baby here in a Call The Midwife comment section 😊
I never thought I would be so obsessed with this show, but I am. I love how it chronicles the history of the late 1950-1960’s.
To Call the Midwives is my best program. They are perfect in every way. My grandmother was a midwife from her home in Newfoundland and Labrador in the early 1900s. Every actor has done such beautiful work to make us the viewers feel like we were right there. I love the scripts they made me laugh and cry.
I am from Nova Scotia Canada and enjoy your work.
I've loved every minute of every show. I think it shows humanity caring for humans in difficult situations,,always trying to do the right thing. Imagine, finding out that a drug is causing such harm, and going door to door to retrieve the pills. So different that what goes on today. And they do it all with courage and humor! Bravo to all involved!
I just binge watched all 11 seasons in time to start the Season 12 premiere on Christmas night! This is the best series I have ever witnessed! Incredible actors, incredibly written! I worked as a labor and delivery nurse and it took me right back. I could not believe how real it seemed. I lost my Dad last May and have been immersed in grief and this program has been quite cathartic. One episode with a district patient in heart failure hit entirely too close to home and I cried throughout with a broken heart but actually felt a little lighter and not so alone after. Thank you for making such an incredible program!!!
This is one of the best TV shows ever made!
This show is amazing. I have watched since Season 1 and I have laughed and cried and have been educated. I love learning, so that part of the show really attracts me, but the characters have all entered my heart and they have left holes when they leave the show. I find that I can't wait to see what will happen to the main characters next. There have been some real surprises over the years. I think that this is what keeps me coming back to the show year after year, it's like visiting with family each week. I just wish that the British shows did more episodes each season, I can never get enough!
This is just one of the best tv shows of my life. I was born in 63 and all my life with television shows, this is up at the top. I watch it intently at times and at times I fall asleep to it. It is like a big family in a big house with familiar voices and delightful theme music.
Wow, this special was stunning -- for one who has never been to England but does love history and is a huge CTM fan, just the visuals alone made me feel like I was in Liverpool and not where I am actually stuck. (😉l hate Ottawa!) It reminds me of helping my mother do laundry with a wringer washing machine, which l enjoyed as a child (l don't know why?🤔) The poverty isn't what's nostalgic to me, it's the creativity & innovation we learned from it-- even something like making new cards from old cards! I am soooo glad l grew up riding a bike, doing crafts, playing board games & records, walking in the outdoors, and talking to friends *face to face* . We all had after-school or weekend jobs & an activity or sport. We didn't need to be enrolled in soccer, gymnastics, baseball, swimming & tap dance at the same time to be entertained or over-stimulated! Kids were definitely in much better shape back then as well, because we didn't suffer with overly developed thumb muscles. Kids today really don't know the sweet & simple things they missed😕. I hope there are more CTM specials like this available on Utube!🤞🏻. Well done all round, thank❤️ you for this!👍🏻😃🐾🌈☮️🇨🇦✌🏻
This was wonderful! I just watched the 2022 Christmas special and am so looking forward to the next season. I am a retired OB nurse, and I know all of my colleagues love this show as much as I do.
I’m a retired RN also. Retired on a medical early as I was involved in a bad accident . I was set to go back to school to become a midwife when I had the life changing accident and had to retire. This show is the best. Sunday night belong to me, even though I record it to the DVR, that way I can watch it over and over. Call me crazy……
This documentary was made with the same exceptional care, research, & dedication of the entire series, from day one! The analogy of building a beautiful cathedral stone by stone was brilliant!! Thank you to everyone who had a hand in the Series & in this Documentary! All of you have contributed to such a memorable & significant historical (fictional/non-fictional) account of an important part of being human!
I was surprised to learn that Stephen lived in a street not to far from were I live now he lived in Kensington I live in old swan which is the next town from his n Liverpool x
Thank you for this excellent documentary, especially the interview with the delightful thalidomide survivor. What sets CTM apart from most media is the intelligence, authenticity, optimism, elevating the best rather than worst in humanity, and the strong tradition of women helping women. As stated, pregnancy is a normal function and not a disease. Hospitals provide amazing, life-saving care when it is truly needed. However, most women need time and tender care that respects their individual needs during pregnancy and delivery. Good postpartum care would prevent so many problems, including child abuse. Since CTM can only come forward in time so far, I would love to see an offshoot addressing other projects. Maybe the nuns working in Africa with polio victims, child nutrition, the natural helpers that preceded social workers, etc. It is such a delight to watch something uplifting rather than risking brain cell loss on silly, snarky darkness.
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Call the Midwife is one of my very favorite shows. The attention to detail and the heart felt story lines depicted by the cast and crew are just simply wonderful. There is nothing better I think, then a nice cup of tea and a couple biscuits while watching the show. Of course I always make sure I have a box of tissue near by, as I'm sure to cry and laugh with every episode. Thank you for this lovely documentary and further in-depth look at the actual lives.
I have watched the show for years. I think its compassion and understanding of all people, regardless or their situation, made me love the show.
A tribute to all who participated in this exquisite collection of stories so finely depicting a bygone Era.
With Vanessa Redgrave's narrations, bringing it all together so succinctly. Beautifully done! Bravo!!!
I loved this series and find it close to reality. The ones that hit me hard were the the abortion and thalidomide babies. I worked as a NICU nurse in the early '80s. I cried every time we lost a baby. I ended up having 2 premature babies after weeks of bedrest. I was lucky to have my sons.
I have seen season 1-10 two times over. And i just love the show.
"I think I came into the world apologizing and have been apologizing ever since!"
So heartfelt and humble. This is so touching seeing where "Dr. Turner" was born and grew up.
This was so great. I love how they are telling real stories. I think the fact that it's not portraying a perfect idealized story makes this a great show. It's my all time favorite show.
I love this show, it’s very special and family oriented, and great Hope and Love in humanity. Thank you! Congrats to all those that produced it, wrote it, actors… Tysm.
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I lived my own version of this incredible show.
There are too many things to commend about it to mention but it has become very personal for me.
Like so many others, commenting here, I actually stumbled upon it for the first time while sitting with a woman who has multiple disabilities, and she was watching it ( season 11)
Unlike other shows however, each episode was a beautiful story in and of itself so I didn’t feel lost in the storyline coming in so late. I was hooked!
I have been binge watching from season 1 ever since like so many others have mentioned.
At least for the situations that are explored in the series, I have lived through 4 of them personally.
In the early 1980s I gave birth as an unwed mother of 19 and placed my son for adoption. I know that feeling from so many of the angles explored. I am so fortunate to have not come from poverty however and to have had resources that were available to me that were not for women in the 50s and 60s so affected by poverty.
I can relate however to the shame, loneliness, possible loss of my future, (as I was in college at the time) the secretiveness (from my father) and the difficult decision to place for adoption. I also went through the the last minute change of heart, etc.
I remember so clearly walking out of the hospital with my wonderful mother and aunt who are the only family members who knew about it and the tremendous sorrow and frustration I felt as they were just desperate to have me “happy again”and struggled with allowing me to grieve while delivering the “we just need to MoveOn“ peptalk.
I am happy to say the adoption went well, and we were miraculously reunited when he was nearly 20 years old. He is now almost 40.
I am also a birth mom, who adopted one of my three sons at birth after I had 4 yrs earlier had to have a partial hysterectomy, because I had a retained placenta after my previous birth.
Experiencing that kind of loss and terror was also explored in the series and took me right back in my mind and heart. .
Remarkably, I also experienced as well complex feelings that come along with abortion.
I came to appreciate beyond measure the role of a midwife and the relationships and challenges they encounter and the love , patience and endurance those who bring life into the world must experience and it doesn’t end after they deliver a baby.
It’s easy to go through traumatic things in life and forget how many people around you are also affected. There are not many episodes where I have not shed a tear or two.
Thank you to the creators of the show for keeping it so real while being respectful and gracious and appreciative and showing more than just a glimpse of what women have been strong enough to endure from the beginning of history.
This was a wonderful documentary. It's obvious that those who work on this show are very committed to making it the best possible representation of midwifery they can. The quality of the show has continued through 11 series. I have watched the whole production about three times and it never gets tired.
I have all the seasons on DVD and sometimes rewatch until a new DVD is available.
I simply cannot thank you enough for this fabulous series. I have watched many of the episodes over and over as they have kept my faith in life and humanity as I have been struggling through these last three difficult years. Just about every single episode makes me cry because I love to see these very strong women birth these miracles. Bless you all for this wonderful series.
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It is such an amazing series. In many ways for me, it is a woman's history lesson and a medical one. It is a documentary of how our world has evolved and why our contributions to it are very important to the well-being of the next generation following us.
Here in America, we going through, once more, trying times as females. We have a certain segment of our society that is trying to move us back into those difficult years when being a fertile female is not only a health risk to us but to our families, and our relationships. So many women have worked so very hard to improve the lives of their children. This unnecessary fight, these problem-making people are using this issue to distract us from tackling real-life problems, like how to mentor children with learning disabilities, cure debilitating illnesses, and resolve the housing crisis that has been plaguing the US for now, too many years.
Still, the series gives women like me so much hope that I can contribute something to improve the lives of children and their families. To be a witness to these incredible, if merely a representation of, the people who came before us, We get to share their experiences and learn from their work how to better ourselves just a little bit more.
You would have to be soulless if this story doesn’t move you! Such a well done show. It has opened my eyes to learning more about that drug and the horrible birth defects that developed because of it! Every episode makes me cry like a baby. My husband can tell what show I am watching just by looking at my face, lol!
Each episode brings a glimmer of hope and joy. It's such a beautiful series that reminds me that there are still people full of selflessness and dedication through their work.💓
I LOVE this show. I am always heart broken when it looses an actor. I fell in love with all of them. They are all brilliant. I don't want it to end.
So enjoyed this! I found the series on Netflix and fell on love! One of the best series ever created!
I just finished Jennifer Worth's book, after already watching all 11 seasons. I now have a new appreciation for all the characters and especially Sister Evangelina.
I was born in "57". I recall the term "Mongolian or Mongaloid" children who were looked down upon. I was not yet 9yrs old & I recall how frustrated my beloved "Mamà" was at hpw many made fun of these beautiful children. Well, they of course are renamed or re-termed "Down Syndrome. Better yet, this beautiful child, Samuel has Down Syndrome. They are beautiful, talented, loving & they are such a Blessing. 🙏 "Isa"
love this show! miss Jenny and Barbara and Chummy.
Absolutely outstanding series! The acting the actors and storylines are top notch. Totally addicted!
Stephen McGann, you definately bring this subject matter easily to my attention. This is not the first time I have viewed this documentary.
Such an amazing series, riveting and so heart felt...so many tears I've shed watching this series. Beautiful!
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This is one of the best series that PBS has done! Thank you all. ..
Hello from Canada, I am a huge fan and this video of real life history was portrayed beautifully, thank you call of the midwife staff and Steven all all the actors who invest so much love and time into accuracy and respect for lives that were and are lived , thank you and God bless this true to life made for Television Series❤️🇨🇦🇬🇧🥰🙏🙏🙏
This has been the best show ever brought to television. The characters are like old friends.
This was one of the best series ever made! It’s so real, so beautiful, so emotional and so human. Thank you!
“Call of the Midwife” is my very favorite! It is so very, very well done, by all! 🙏🕊️🙏
Wow to see such beautiful strong people in such poverty ridden circumstances is very moving . Thank you for touching my heart with every episode ❤
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I am thrilled to have found this video! I remember being so enthralled with the Midwife show which vanished after a few episodes on PBS. I now realize I missed my calling and the wonderment of watching the miracle of birth. I remember at college seeing the first televised birth at the school, the sniggering and immature laughter whilst I had tears running down my face with seeing the MIRACLE of a baby being born. Now I'll see if I can locate the episodes of this show. I PRAY the next installment of 7-UP will happen.
I never get tired of watching this show! Started watching it on Netflix in 2012.
Es la serie más hermosa que e visto .todo lo que sucede en la vida real .
Tengo una sobrina que está en su último año de obstetricia. Ellas hacen un trabajo maravilloso.
Me encantaría ver este documental en español 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Cariños de Linares Chile 🇨🇱
This series is my all time favorite. The stories draw you in, you feel their joy and/or their sadness. With each birth you knew what the mothers were going trough (having had 3 babies myself). I loved all the characters and was sad when they left. I may end up watching this again. A great show to binge watch!
This series is such a treasure🎉 A
glilmpse into the past🎉 A demonstration of love in poverty & hardship. I hope the writers gives me years & years of episodes.
I wish chum would come bk
When I first started watching Call The Midwife back in 2014, I had come across it on Netflix. I was bored, looking for something different to watch. Didn't have cable or access to live television. I had no idea that I would fall absolutely in love with the stories, the characters. The entire show. It was the best idea out of boredom that I had ever had, and I always look forward to the start of the new series, and then the one day of the year when we all get the same episode on the same day. Christmas. Never before has a show made me want to binge it over and over again. Made me laugh and cry all in one episode. Made me angry at certain points. This is a beautiful show, and I believe I will be saddened the day it comes to an end.
I absolutely can’t get enough of this show!! Love all the characters! I love that there’s not sex scenes as other shows have. I always shed tears (whether it’s happy or sad tears). My mother had my sister, then two miscarriages before she had me. She was a nurse and I grew up loving learning about medicine (like Tim Turner). Great job on the show guys!!
I also wish more people/ writer's would put out series like Call of the mid wife 💞 instead of the garage that's being pushed out. Thank you again for all your time 🙏🙏
I love this show. I could relate to the nurses in the late 50's, as that was when my mom was a nurse. When the 1962 season rolled around, I said, "That could be me!" since I was born that year. I studied to be a midwife myself, but that was not to be my destination as a nurse. However, I have truly appreciated the reality of what I have seen in this series, even the moral issues where I may have some disagreement with. Keep on telling the stories, for all the midwives of the past, present & future, & for those of us that just love seeing the birth a of new little life. Thank you!
I love this show! My great aunt in Italy was a midwife with no medical training, but still delivered babies or help with animals in her village. My mom's cousin delieved her and all her brothers in 1907 to 1919 and beyond. I had met her once to bad to young to ask her questions. I guess that's why I adore the show!
I absolutely love this series! I’ve watched and rewatched it 3 times! I’m currently on my 4th time of watching it! I love the feeling of comfort & familiarity of the characters. ❤
I've watched from the beginning when this wonderful series first started & was immediately captivated by everything it encapsulated! Wonderful stories that draws you in, the writing, back drop of every episode, the characters & character development is marvelous. Since I was a child I was drawn to the stories, poems, writing, movies & TV series out of Britain, Europe in general. Over the past decade plus, American TV series are just awful, but Call the Midwife like a list of others is the reason we are able to enjoy these gems. It's because of unique untold original stories, great writing & acting that fortunately hasn't been lost by some!! I'd like to thank all involved for your hard work & dedication to bring us all this wonderful series!! It's greatly appreciated
I’ve watch this program since day 1 and have loved it from moment 1. Every character is so charming and heartfelt. Sheilagh will always be my favourite
This makes me want to go back and binge watch it all over again ❤️