astrid Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Did anyone watch the premier of Call The Midwife on PBS last night? We did, and I"m interested in hearing some reactions. astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 What a window into East London of the 1950's! I thought the program was well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 What a window into East London of the 1950's! I thought the program was well done. Me, too. Not thrilling - it didn't reach out and grab me - but the characters are all interesting enough for me to want to watch it unfold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I loved the book, so I enjoyed it. I thought Conchita and her methods with the preemie were so amazing, actually the book got into more detail because she basically tied the baby to her, and the sisters were more interesting /funnier than I remembered from the book. I can't wait for the next one. Thumbs up from me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I liked it and will keep watching. I was a little surprised at how graphic it was. I was shocked when the baby was shown looking dead and the blood also surprised me. But, I'm sensitive like that. I'm not criticizing b/c I think it seems more real that way, it just took me by surprise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted October 1, 2012 Author Share Posted October 1, 2012 It kind of surprised me too. We really liked it though, as did my mom who lives with us and is a retired Labor and Delivery nurse who worked as a public health nurse/midwife in the South End of Boston in the 1950's. astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I liked it and will keep watching. I was a little surprised at how graphic it was. I was shocked when the baby was shown looking dead and the blood also surprised me. But, I'm sensitive like that. I'm not criticizing b/c I think it seems more real that way, it just took me by surprise. Agreeing. My husband walked in when that scene was playing. He was taken aback! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBM Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Oh, no! It premiered last night? I thought it was supposed to premier on Wednesday. I'm going to have to check our listings and see if it's being re-aired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenC3 Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Loved it! Can't wait for the next episode! 25 children, wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 There is a book? I'll have to pop off and look for it. I loved the book, so I enjoyed it. I thought Conchita and her methods with the preemie were so amazing, actually the book got into more detail because she basically tied the baby to her, and the sisters were more interesting /funnier than I remembered from the book. I can't wait for the next one. Thumbs up from me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I.Dup. Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 We watched it and enjoyed it! I'm curious what else Conchita did with her preemie- are these true stories? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 There is a book? are these true stories? Yes to both! They are true! The show is based on the midwife's memoir; her married name is Jennifer Worth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted October 1, 2012 Author Share Posted October 1, 2012 I had no idea there was a book..... I'm going to have to look for it now. We really liked the show. astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davysmom Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Oh, no! It premiered last night? I thought it was supposed to premier on Wednesday. I'm going to have to check our listings and see if it's being re-aired. It does in some areas. It premiers here on Wed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 That makes it so much more interesting for me; my library has a copy of the book. :001_smile: btw...Thanks for mentioning the book. Yes to both! They are true! The show is based on the midwife's memoir; her married name is Jennifer Worth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I.Dup. Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Yes to both! They are true! The show is based on the midwife's memoir; her married name is Jennifer Worth. Oh cool! Well that makes it even more interesting! :001_smile: I checked and our library has 3 holds before me, but I'll get it when it comes available! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I liked it and will keep watching. I was a little surprised at how graphic it was. I was shocked when the baby was shown looking dead and the blood also surprised me. But, I'm sensitive like that. I'm not criticizing b/c I think it seems more real that way, it just took me by surprise. Yes, same here. In fact, I think I may have to DVR them and save them for after this baby is born. I had a big scary complication last time and I'm just a little too sensitive for this kind of thing right now. Otherwise I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the series. I had no idea that it was based on someone's memoir! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Yes to both! They are true! The show is based on the midwife's memoir; her married name is Jennifer Worth. Pfui. My library does not have the book. But thanks for the tip. I may buy the book for my plane trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink Fairy Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I've been watching it, and I like the beginning episodes better (I've seen through episode 6). Some of the story lines are bizarre, for example the sisters are accepting of an ongoing incestuous relationship and suicide. I've been meaning to get the book from the library, I want to see if these are real stories or if they are taking liberties for shock value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth S Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 (edited) We have 5 kids, (and my dd is a L&D nurse) . . . but I still had a hard time believing the mom with 25 kids. Her oldest dd seemed to be 16yo? I can hardly imagine the logistics, stamina, chores and inevitable time needed to stretch the meager household budget that far. I'm just too literal. I did laugh at the "no plates" for supper, which would speed up the cleanup . . . but then think of all the exchanged germs?!? Certainly some of her kids would be hanging up the laundry. :001_smile: Maybe the older children were away working to help the family. But they certainly showed the husband/wife love in a (semi) favorable light. I will watch it next week, as I love the efforts to make it a period drama, but I'm guessing our dd will enjoy it even more! (She has to work these 3 nights in a row, so it will be a while before she can watch it.) And Amazon sells the book, with a sample of the first chapters. Upstairs/Downstairs Season 2 is next week! I cannot relate to ANY of the "Upstairs" life there, but enjoy the escapism. :001_smile: Edited October 1, 2012 by Beth S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frugalmama Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I really liked it, and I normally can't stand the british tv shows :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phathui5 Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I loved it! Back when I was in high school, that's what I'd pictured myself doing when I "grew up." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 We have 5 kids, (and my dd is a L&D nurse) . . . but I still had a hard time believing the mom with 25 kids. Her oldest dd seemed to be 16yo? I can hardly imagine the logistics, stamina, chores and inevitable time needed to stretch the meager household budget that far. I'm just too literal. I did laugh at the "no plates" for supper, which would speed up the cleanup . . . but then think of all the exchanged germs?!? The character is almost exactly the same in the memoir, so... I don't know. I know someone with almost that many kids (about 22, I think). I don't think they cared about germs. Many cultures around the world share a serving plate and eat with their hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phathui5 Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I'm just too literal. I did laugh at the "no plates" for supper, which would speed up the cleanup . . . but then think of all the exchanged germs?!? I think it would be fine; they're all family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedmom4 Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I had no idea it was a book either. I will definitely see if our library has it. I like that it wasn't too real life. It had just enough to make it interesting but charming and sweet at the same time. Can't wait to see it again! Elise in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 We have 5 kids, (and my dd is a L&D nurse) . . . but I still had a hard time believing the mom with 25 kids. Her oldest dd seemed to be 16yo? I can hardly imagine the logistics, stamina, chores and inevitable time needed to stretch the meager household budget that far. I'm just too literal. I did laugh at the "no plates" for supper, which would speed up the cleanup . . . but then think of all the exchanged germs?!? Certainly some of her kids would be hanging up the laundry. :001_smile: Maybe the older children were away working to help the family. But they certainly showed the husband/wife love in a (semi) favorable light. I will watch it next week, as I love the efforts to make it a period drama, but I'm guessing our dd will enjoy it even more! (She has to work these 3 nights in a row, so it will be a while before she can watch it.) And Amazon sells the book, with a sample of the first chapters. Upstairs/Downstairs Season 2 is next week! I cannot relate to ANY of the "Upstairs" life there, but enjoy the escapism. :001_smile: I recall mention of Maureen (the eldest girl) working in service, so I would guess that the older children all do something to help support the family. I know other cultures share a communal platter for meals... The communal soup pot was just funny, though. :) We had US/DS season 1 start on Masterpiece Classic last night. Yay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in OK Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I watched the season online several months ago. Love the show!!! But then again, most of us birth workers are suckers for anything birth related. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyobu Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I loved it!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth in MN Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I had heard about it from friends in the UK when it came on out there. Mom and I were trying to find something to watch on TV and we saw it was on. With all the new episodes on TV right now I decided not to record it but mentioned in passing that I had heard good things about the show. Well, Mom recorded it on the DVR for later. She's like a TV show hoarder. So I saw it on the list tonight and we all decided to watch it together. My DD and I absolutely LOVE the show. Not sure if Mom does, but then she hasn't seen the Anglican nuns singing Compline yet : D Now, I'm not advocating that all kids watch the show - not by a long shot. I did have to explain what Syphilis is to my dd and she took the show in stride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I just watched the first episode on my iPad laying in bed. I really enjoyed it! Looking forward to more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kubiac Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 (edited) There's actually three books! As of a couple of years ago, the sequels hadn't been published in the US, but you could order them online from the UK. The incest-suicide story is from one of the later books, when Worth delved further in the darker dysfunctions of the Docklands. The first book is almost exclusively told from her POV, the later two books retell war stories that properly belong to the other midwives and/or gets quasi-fictionalized in delving into the internal lives of supporting characters she may or may not have truly understood/interviewed first-hand. In re stories from the other midwives: SPOILER - One midwife had to deliver triplets all by herself under positively harrowing circumstances, and Chummy (introduced next episode) did the most horrifying/amazing procedure to deliver a "ship's woman" who may or may not have been pregnant by...well, you better read or watch to find that part out. LOL. - SPOILER Oh, and in the book, I think Conchita's (Conchata?) oldest is in her early 20s. Jennifer Lee got to know the family very well, as the oldest daughter did a lot of work for her as a seamstress/tailor. (Jennifer in the books was quite the clotheshorse and the economics of the day were totally different, of course.) In the book, the baby was half-submerged in a basin of blood and they noticed it wiggling (versus the crying), and the mother used her own personal version of kangaroo care to keep it alive. If you like midwife books, Baby Catcher by Peggy Vincent is wonderful. Edited October 2, 2012 by kubiac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IsabelC Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I wasn't all that keen on the book, but I do actually like the television series. I pretty much like anything that's British and historical (unless it's really badly done) and I like those actors. (I don't like watching birthing scenes much because the women are almost always lying down doing coached pushing, but at least they're home births - hospital births freak me out completely.) Note if you are considering watching with kids, there's a fair bit of 'mature' content (eg incest, underage prostitution, suicide, babies being taken away from mothers) so probably only for older or more mature children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I wasn't all that keen on the book, but I do actually like the television series. I pretty much like anything that's British and historical (unless it's really badly done) and I like those actors. (I don't like watching birthing scenes much because the women are almost always lying down doing coached pushing, but at least they're home births - hospital births freak me out completely.) Note if you are considering watching with kids, there's a fair bit of 'mature' content (eg incest, underage prostitution, suicide, babies being taken away from mothers) so probably only for older or more mature children. I did think the birthing scenes in episode 1 were interesting. I didn't see coached pushing. Of course, there was a pretty nasty enema scene... I agree. Also questions of paternity. A bit awkward with married mothers. Midwifery is not for the faint of heart. I wouldn't watch the show with my kids. I can't wait for Chummy to arrive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommee & Baba Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I'm so glad this thread was started. I just got a notice on my iPad that my PBS app had this show available to watch. I was curious if I should take time out to watch it, now I think I will! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamatohaleybug Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I loved it! Excited to see the rest. BBC does generally put out things I love. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I.Dup. Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I did think the birthing scenes in episode 1 were interesting. I didn't see coached pushing. Of course, there was a pretty nasty enema scene... I agree. Also questions of paternity. A bit awkward with married mothers. Midwifery is not for the faint of heart. I wouldn't watch the show with my kids. I can't wait for Chummy to arrive. I do not think coached pushing is common in home births. I have only experienced that at the hospital. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I do not think coached pushing is common in home births. I have only experienced that at the hospital. I had no enema or shave at the hospital. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I loved the show too! The syphilis scene about made me :ack2: though. I still don't understand the opening fight scene, though....was someone's husband sleeping around??? I recognize the characters as both being pregnant, but my kids were squawking as I was putting them to bed and I missed the dialog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Thanks for the reminder! I plan to watch it online. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.