Emma Willis: Delivering Babies (2018) s01e06 Episode Script
Episode 6
1
'From the moment
her first daughter was born,
television presenter
and mother-of-three Emma Willis
has been in awe of midwives.'
Keep it there, keep it there.
EMMA:
'You just kind of sit back and go,
what incredible women,
what an incredible job.'
Come on, go, go, go.
'That was when my mission
to deliver babies began.'
'Emma's been given
a unique opportunity
to find out just what it takes
to work on the frontline
of a busy maternity unit.'
'If you're gonna do something like
this, you have to do it properly.'
Six pound four.
Wow!
'At a time when there is
a national shortage of midwives,
Emma will immerse herself
on the ward for ten weeks,
supporting the team.'
I just wanted to see if we could get
some contractions going.
'She will share the pressures'
Emergency.
I need some help in here.
Where is it?
'The fears'
Your heart is going.
'and the joys'
I've even been written up
on the board!
You're a dad! It's a girl!
'of delivering babies.'
Well done, you!
SHE SIGHS
EMMA: 'It's my last day. I wanna
still come here every week.'
I'm not allowed to!
Really just a massive thank you
for having me.
Erm I've loved it
and I'm really gonna miss you all!
Where is she?
It's such a vital part
of connection between mum and baby.
Try to deliver the baby by forceps.
Keep going, keep going, keep going.
'After ten weeks,
Emma's time working
as a maternity care assistant
is coming to an end.'
She's probably like, what's this
horrible feeling as well?
Those rubber gloves.
BABY CRIES
Got to live out
my childhood fantasy.
'And love it.
And not be disappointed by it.'
Would you do it all again?
Like, in a heartbeat.
'Now competent
in all key skills'
Sharp scratch.
'she's at the patients'
every beck and call.'
OK? Yeah. Are you sure?
It's funny because erm
I feel very settled here now.
'And I'm a bit like, I can do this.'
I think the nipple's too low, yeah.
I understand the lingo, I know
what everyone's talking about.
PPH situation.
Post partum haemorrhage?
She knows. We're teaching her well.
Ah!
'Now I'm like, oh, it's like a
secret code that I now understand.'
I wanna still come here every week.
But erm
But I'm not allowed to
after this week!
I'll be at the door like that,
going, "Let me in!"
"I've come back! I've come back!
Does anyone want a cup of tea?"
THEY LAUGH
'It's 8pm and Emma is working
a 12-hour night shift.
Her first patient is Vicky.'
Hello! How you doing?
OK.
I've got a lot of stuff with me.
'Vicky is here with her daughters
Olivia and Sienna,
and her partner Ben'
Have you moved in?
Yeah!
'who she's expecting
her first child with.'
On that yoga ball.
'Vicky's 35 weeks pregnant
and has been admitted
with her second significant bleed.'
So when did you come in?
Yesterday afternoon, wasn't it?
By ambulance.
BEN: Quarter past three.
When did your bleeding start?
Yesterday. I felt some cramping.
And I went to the toilet,
thought my waters had gone.
Your waters had gone?
That's what I thought had happened.
I was on the toilet and it felt like
it did with both of them.
And then when I checked,
it was blood.
I gave birth to her at home.
I didn't realise I was in labour.
So I'm just really anxious
that this one will be rapid as well.
How rapid was she?
I was on the toilet and her head
came out so I had to get off
quickly!
She was nearly a toilet baby!
It's such a good job
you weren't a toilet baby.
Far too pretty for that.
BEN: That's a matter of opinion!
THEY LAUGH
Do you know what you're having?
Another girl.
So three girls.
Three girls.
BEN: Payback from God for me.
THEY LAUGH
Hey, come on!
All these hormones around?
THEY LAUGH
Were you hoping for a boy?
Yeah.
THEY LAUGH Yeah.
My dad's in a house
with four women and he loves it.
Good luck. I hope it all goes
as you want it to go.
OK, thanks very much.
Thank you. Thank you.
BEN: 'Vicky's always banged on about
wanting me to have a girl.
I've already got two boys
with my ex-wife.'
The girls wanted a sister.
I wanted them to have a brother
just so I wasn't so outnumbered.
We bought a cat for the girls
and we thought we had a boy cat.
And even that turned out to be
female when we got it checked.
So erm Yeah, she's adamant
it'll be the making of me.
And I'm 36
and I've still yet to grow up
as I get reminded every day.
Nights.
SHE LAUGHS
'The most challenging part
of the evening for me
is getting through the tiredness.'
'As the antenatal ward
quietens down for the evening'
Hi, Emma.
Hi.
'Emma is called to the labour
ward to assist midwife Naghmeh
with a post-birth placenta check.'
So if put your gloves on.
Have a feel of it, it's actually
quite warm so it's nice.
Oh, it is.
This is the side that is stuck on
the wall of the womb.
Like this. Baby is in this bag here.
The interesting thing is this baby
has been jiggling about and moving
and you've got a knot in the cord.
This is called the true knot
and it just moves, look.
You can move it up and down.
How does it knot though?
It's been moving
and it's done somersaults.
And it's just knotted.
How?
And out.
'Blood is taken from the cord to
help evaluate a newborn's health.'
Would you like to take it?
SHE GASPS No!
What if I do it wrong?
You go at this angle in here.
Perfect. Go in.
That's it.
Oh. Oh.
You're fine. That's it, go through.
And then withdraw your plunger.
SHE SQUEALS Perfect, perfect.
Lovely.
EMMA: 'Placentas are, like,
wonderful things.'
It's such a vital part of
connection between mum and baby,
do you know what I mean?
That for it to come out
and not even pay it any attention
would seem really rude!
Right, let's go.
'It's 6am and a mother in the first
stage of labour has just arrived.'
Hello!
Hello.
Hi!
I'm in charge today.
Hello.
How are you feeling, darling?
Painful.
Good!
THEY LAUGH
Bless you.
'First-time parents
Catherine and Aaron
have come in after
Catherine's waters broke at home.'
It's just horrific.
'She's currently experiencing four
contractions every ten minutes.'
Remember these are good,
nice, positive pains.
I know, I know.
But they are, honestly, trust me.
You need the pain
to get the baby out. I know.
Trust me.
Is it not working
cos it didn't work earlier.
It's on Fahrenheit
instead of Celsius. Oh.
So I was like,
whoa, that's really high.
SHE LAUGHS
BLEEPING
Much better.
What a beautiful day
your baby's being born.
Do you think it'll be born today?
Your baby has got to be.
Do you think? Yes!
Do you think so?
I hope so.
Positive mental attitude.
I like that! My blood type is B
positive, to be fair, so Is it?
So we'll just go with
Be positive.
For first-time mums
when they come in to give birth,
it can be a very, very,
very frightening experience.
We've got to welcome them
into the unit
with warmth and love.
Don't talk, don't talk
if you don't want to.
So they are fully relaxed
and they are in control.
Keep sweating.
EMMA: How did you meet?
We met online.
We did, yeah.
How long ago?
Nearly five years ago.
Right.
I don't know why on earth he was
online trying to date people.
I was on it with my brother and my
mate. Not as like a threesome!
THEY LAUGH
We were just all on there
at the same time.
I can't believe we're going to go
home with a baby today. So weird.
I'm gonna leave you,
I'm gonna go home.
See you later. Bye.
See you later.
Oh, God
This is the time of day that I've
come to enjoy most on night shifts.
And it's handover time.
So all the day staff are coming on.
Which means it's time
for the night staff to go home.
Which includes me.
So I'm gonna go and say goodbye.
Safe journey home.
Bye, darling, bye.
Thank you.
Thank you.
'An hour and a half
after Emma has left,
Catherine is fully dilated
and pushing.'
I feel like
it's never gonna come out.
He'll come out.
'She's being guided
through her contractions'
Hold it there.
'by midwife Lynn.'
No noise out your throat. All your
energy right down into your bottom.
SHE GROANS
Don't be scared.
All right? It's normal.
It's so painful!
I know it's painful.
I know it's painful.
'Catherine has chosen to give birth
using just gas and air.
But because her baby
is back to back,
the contractions are more painful.'
Catherine, what happens, darling,
is we give you sort of a window
once you're fully dilated.
We let you push
for about two hours.
OK? All right?
That's it, better, go again, again!
You need to use the contractions,
honey, use them.
When a first-time mum
is really worried,
it actually makes me feel like,
right, I've got some work to do.
I've got to really try and be
a positive influence on her.
Try and make her experience better.
It actually makes me work harder.
Wait for it to build up
and then use it, OK? Use it up.
'Catherine has been pushing
for an hour and a half.'
Here he is.
Hello, young lady.
'But with very little progression,
Dr Ali has been called in
to advise.'
The baby is back to back.
That's why you're struggling.
So we need to see if we can
deliver you in the theatre.
This will be done
by probably forceps. Erm
If we can't we will switch
straightaway for Caesarean section.
I need to help you get changed
so we'll put a gown on you.
Take this off.
'Catherine's hopes
of a natural delivery are over.'
SHE GROANS
'In theatre, Dr Ali has escalated
first-time mum Catherine's
natural birth
to a forceps delivery.'
Do you want her legs up, Dr Ali?
Do you want her legs up?
DOCTOR: Yes, please.
'Catherine is unable
to have an epidural
due to previous back injury.'
Oh, no, it'll do.
Like your life depends on it, OK?
Forceps are quite large instruments
and they get inserted
into the vagina.
I'm just
going to apply the forceps now.
And the doctors will then
pull to help deliver the baby.
SHE MOANS
It does look really scary.
SHE GROANS
DOCTOR: It's all right.
You are only allowed
to pull three times.
Again.
This is to reduce the risk
of any permanent damage to baby.
It's not gonna hurt my baby?
It does really stress babies out.
Come on, keep going, keep going.
Keep going, keep going, keep going.
SHE YELLS
'Dr Ali is finding it difficult
to pull Catherine's baby
down the birth canal.'
SHE MOANS
Oh, Christ alive.
'And as time passes,
both mother and baby are becoming
more and more distressed.'
DOCTOR:
You're doing very well. Big push.
And again.
'The forceps delivery
has been unsuccessful.
Catherine has now been put under
general anaesthetic
as the team need to get her baby
out quickly.'
General anaesthetic would be
the last resort for a Caesarean
section.
It means that the women obviously
aren't awake for the procedure.
And their partners
can't be in the room either
so it becomes
a disconnected delivery.
They don't see their babies
being born.
SUCKING SOUND
OK, pull.
'Within four minutes
of Catherine being put to sleep,
her baby girl is born.'
Thank you. Table, please.
Hello, hello, hello!
Good girl.
'It's really different delivering
a baby when mum's asleep and dad's
not in the room.'
You do wanna
get the baby wrapped and OK
and well and out to Dad
as soon as we can.
Lovely.
I'm gonna go and explain this
to dad.
'Two doors up from theatre,
Aaron is anxiously awaiting news.'
Got your daughter
to come and meet you.
I need to show you something.
Cos of the forceps, if you push just
there you can feel it's swollen.
Don't worry, this will completely go
back to normal. I promise, OK?
But she's beautiful and there's
no concerns for her whatsoever.
Mum's fine.
Mum's fine. She's still asleep.
OK?
I think for dads meeting
their babies for the first time
is really emotional
and they probably don't realise
how much they're gonna love
something till they get given it.
Everyone's fine. It's a whirlwind.
It's all happened so quickly.
They just get overcome and they
just stare at them the whole time.
I think they just fall in love
instantly.
So we'll leave you
to bond for a bit.
Finally.
Got a fat little face, haven't you?
'It's 8am
and Emma is back on shift.'
Hello, birthing unit,
Emma speaking.
And you think your waters
have broken?
'She has just 30 working hours left
in the role
of a maternity care assistant.'
Can I put you on hold and I'll just
go and find a midwife?
'And this morning she's been tasked
with carrying out a routine
examination
on a baby
that was born 12 hours ago.'
Hello!
Hiya!
Are you all right if I do
your baby check? Yes, of course.
Sorry.
Head feels good.
Do you mind if I take these out?
Fine.
Thank you.
Have they spoke to you
about safer sleeping for the baby?
Yes.
Yeah.
So keep the cot clear.
Yeah.
So maybe try not to put
these kind of things in.
Sorry, little lady.
Has she Is she weeing and pooing?
Yes, yeah.
A lot of poo! Yeah.
Has she? Oh, that's good.
Oh! Got a wipe?
Was she erm We're going again!
She's really going!
I'm glad I didn't move
that nappy out the way.
She only had a little bit of milk
earlier, didn't she?
BABY CRIES
Do you wanna grab me a nappy
before she goes again?
BABY BURPS
That was a massive burp.
She needed that. You get it out
both ends on me. That's fine.
I opened her nappy,
she'd got a bit of mess.
I thought,
oh, I'll change her nappy.
You guys chill,
new parents and all that.
SHE LAUGHS
And then it literally, it was like,
you know when you get an ice cream
and it just keeps coming out?
It was just like that!
I was a bit like,
I can't move quick enough!
SHE LAUGHS
I've come up trumps, I've found
a little girl's babygrow.
SHE LAUGHS
'On the antenatal ward,
Vicky and partner Ben
have been waiting for news
after Vicky was admitted
with a significant bleed.
Before leaving for the day,
Emma checks in with them
on patient rounds.'
Hello.
What's that? You're like that.
We've got an answer finally.
Did they come in?
It's the answer we wanted.
They're gonna induce me today.
So baby will be hopefully
Are they really?
We had about ten people
through the door.
It'll move quickly,
you'll have her naturally,
you can all kind of relax and know
that everybody is safe and well.
Your life's over!
Your life's just beginning.
There's something about
when a dad sees his first daughter
for the first time that
We'll see very soon!
Yeah!
They seem to crumble
in like an amazing way.
Like there's just something funny
that seems to happen.
He won't be crying knowing him.
No.
I would really love to be
at the birth
cos I want to see
what happens to him
once his daughter
comes into the world.
He's gonna cry!
SHE LAUGHS
That's my prediction.
Ben will melt before our very eyes.
'On the labour ward,
it's been 24 hours
since Vicky's
induction process began.
With very little progression
into labour,
Dr Maneeb has been called in
to break her waters.
But now, she's started to bleed.'
Another sheet?
Yes, please.
It's quite blood stained down below.
We're always wary if we break
somebody's waters and we see
a heavy blood loss.
We're never able to know exactly
what the cause is at the time,
which is why we we have to watch
really, really closely.
Clinical expertise
at this point is crucial.
If there are signs that the
placenta might be coming away,
that can be a life-threatening event
for the baby,
so we take bleeding
in pregnancy very, very seriously.
'Doctors are concerned
that the severity of the blood loss
poses a risk to Vicky and her baby.'
All right.
BLEEPING
'They decide the safest thing
for both mum and baby
is to deliver immediately
by Caesarean section.'
Where is she?
It can be really scary for dads
if there's an emergency.
Because we have to go
to theatre very quickly,
they don't understand
what's happening.
But we all know what our roles are.
And dads know that they are there
to support the mum.
DOCTOR: OK, a lot
of pulling and pushing now.
Is it tingling?
Will she be under or awake?
She will be for the whole thing?
HE SNIFFS
DOCTOR: Are you feeling any pain?
OK, yeah.
'In the theatre
everything's in place all the time
for an emergency.'
It becomes quite a slick process.
You all right?
DOCTOR:
Keep taking nice deep breaths.
You want to see the baby coming out?
No, I don't.
'Within two minutes of the
surgeon making the first incision,
Vicky and Ben's baby girl is born.'
DOCTOR: Congratulations. Well done.
HE CRIES
Little girl.
Can't seen her.
'Dad Ben is about to meet his
daughter for the very first time.'
It's wonderful seeing dads see
their baby for the first time.
I see a real gush of emotion.
It's a really special moment.
Bless her.
We'll just take her to mum.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure.
You're poor for the rest
of your life now you've got a girl.
Oh, yeah.
SHE LAUGHS
She looks like you.
I think she looks like her.
It's those cheeks.
Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah?
'As she is five weeks premature,
Vicky and Ben's daughter
will be taken to the neonatal
intensive care unit
to be thoroughly checked over.'
BLEEPING
THEY CHAT INDISTINCTLY
'Three days
after Vicky gave birth'
Hello!
'Emma is back on shift.'
She arrived!
Wow!
Oh my gosh, look at her.
You all right? How are you?
I was a bit of a mess.
I eat my words.
THEY LAUGH
So I called it right.
You did. I mean, it was
I what? What?
I
How did you feel when you saw her?
Did you melt a little bit?
Yeah.
Yeah!
SHE LAUGHS
He just keeps looking at her,
he's going, "I just love her."
But she's his, apparently, his.
Not mine, his.
EMMA GIGGLES
BABY CRIES
Look at him, straight up.
You can go.
No, you get her.
I wanna see you with her, go on.
Take her hat off so you can see
her mass of hair.
Look at how much hair she's got!
She's not like you!
THEY LAUGH
Oh my God, she's a dink, isn't she?
Your little girl.
'I could just sit and stroke them
all day.
Ben is a bit of a joker.'
She looks very happy.
I was right that Ben would crumble
once meeting his baby girl
for the first time.
But he was very kind of open
about how he felt in the moment.
Obviously post birth he's now back
to being a joker
and dealing with it that way.
Thank you.
Congratulations.
I'm gutted I missed it.
Gutted I missed your reaction.
But I'm glad you're all OK now.
She's lovely.
See you in a bit.
See you later.
No, she's so chilled out.
Val.
Hi.
You know this
is our last shift together. I know.
Oh!
Oh!
Thank you so much, Val.
You're very, very welcome.
For everything.
I feel like
you've been my guiding light.
You've been a star pupil.
Honestly. You've been amazing.
And when you get fed up with TV,
just come and work.
Thank you
because you made it so easy.
And when I panicked and I was like,
I'm never gonna learn everything,
you'd just go, "Don't be stupid."
Roll your eyes.
You're very welcome.
You're an absolute gem.
Have a lovely holiday.
And you.
And I won't call you on holiday
because that's your family time.
But maybe the week after.
(WHISPERS) My family time's
not like your family time.
SHE LAUGHS
You can call me when you want.
Bye, Val, thank you.
Take care.
Bye.
Bye.
'The Princess Alexandra Hospital
has a low Caesarean birth rate.'
SHE SNEEZES Bless you.
'But due to an existing medical
condition, second-time mother Amy
will have an elective Caesarean
later today.'
Do you know what you're expecting?
A girl. That's nice.
'She's joined
by her partner Daniel.'
'Me and Amy have been together ten
years and she's everything to me.'
I'm very lucky. My mates always joke
I'm punching. I am, I know that.
And that's the running joke.
I can take that cos it's true.
Right, let's do it.
You'll be all right, you know.
It was actually Amy
that decided that she wanted kids.
I was ready but that's when
it started, trying for a baby,
and she had two miscarriages and
it took three years to have Sienna.
So this baby obviously means
the world to us. It completes us.
How's it going?
Nervous.
This is the surgeon.
Yeah, we met.
Everything's gonna be fine,
I promise you.
What we'll do,
when they've cut the cord here
you'll stay with mum
until baby's delivered.
And then you'll come and meet me
over on resus where it's warm.
Brilliant. And then we'll shorten
the cord, cut the cord shorter.
Erm I won't be able to cut
the cord but I'll do the nappy.
We probably
won't do the nappy here.
We'll just wrap her up but you can
make sure everything's all right.
I can't cut the cord.
It's not gonna be attached to mum.
No, but I couldn't do it last time,
it was a shock last time.
I'm glad you're asking me now
but thanks but no thanks.
THEY LAUGH
Sometimes you just need to have
a bit of leeway with partners.
They're not experiencing
what the woman is going through
and sometimes they just feel
a bit useless.
I think we have to say to them,
"You just being here is key."
Take some deep breaths.
Deep breath, Amy.
HE SOBS
Caesarean section category?
Category three.
'In theatre, Amy and Daniel
are awaiting the delivery
of their second child
by Caesarean section.'
Does the woman have any allergies?
No.
My role in theatre is to support
and prepare the lady
to undergo major surgery.
We try to accommodate
all the things that you would
in a normal delivery, it's just
in a different environment.
So I'm just going
to place your legs
and put in the catheter
so it empties your bladder
throughout the procedure.
All right to do that?
Course.
DOCTOR:
If you feel dizzy, let me know.
OK.
And I will give you something.
Are you staying there?
Yeah, I'm staying there.
SHE LAUGHS
Ouch.
What's the matter?
That hurt.
DOCTOR: It's me.
No worries. OK. No worries.
Once she's laid down and it becomes
like this sterile environment
and drape starts to go up,
I think their adrenalin starts to go
and though it seems like
it's sometimes a barrier method,
we have to remember
it's still a sterile procedure
and it helps reduce
the risk of infection
but they're not forgotten,
we know they're there.
You're doing really well.
Don't forget what you said, though.
You haven't cried yet so you should
cry now, really, I think.
Are you in pain?
'As the surgeon reaches the uterus,
the amniotic fluid is removed.'
You all right? You all right?
'And forceps are used
to help deliver the baby's head.
Five days earlier than expected,
Amy and Daniel's daughter
is brought into the world.'
Hello!
Is she OK?
Hello, darling.
Just give her a clean up.
And then we'll be back.
Gonna follow me?
Yeah. You all right?
Yeah.
Look after her.
Of course.
Does she remind you
of your other girl? Yeah. Yeah.
HE SOBS
SHE SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY Hello.
I can't touch her, can I, yet?
Course you can!
Yeah? My little girl.
You know Daddy's voice.
Hello.
SHE CRIES
Hello.
My little gorgeous girl.
Daddy's got you
a little present already.
You've got the hat in your pocket?
Yeah.
Oh, look at that bow.
We'll get your wrapped up
then go and meet Mummy.
Oh yeah.
'Amy is about to meet her second
daughter for the first time.'
She's amazing.
She's all right.
She's got darker hair.
I'm gonna place her, like, here.
Hello.
Hello, Bella.
Girls against boys, there's
three of us and one of them.
We're complete now, Ben.
Yeah.
'Over the past ten weeks,
Emma has been one
of 60 maternity care assistants
supporting
the Princess Alexandra Hospital.'
I've done the hours and the shifts
that every other MCA
at the hospital does.
'I didn't just want to dip in
and out to see what it was like.
I wanted to live and breathe it.'
BABY CRIES Sorry.
I knew it was hard work cos I saw
my mum do it for so many years.
BABY CRIES
Little lump!
But it's been incredibly rewarding.
'Her time in the role
is now coming to an end.'
Hi.
Hello!
Bye!
Oh!
A little bit emotional.
But I will see you soon, definitely.
Take care, Emma.
Bye.
'Before Emma
finishes her final shift,
her colleagues
have prepared a little surprise.'
CHEERING
Emma was a brilliant MCA.
She took to the role so quickly.
And she just got her hands dirty,
which to be perfectly honest
I didn't think she would.
But she did. She did everything
that we asked and more.
THEY LAUGH
We've got news for you, though.
You're not actually leaving.
THEY LAUGH
Sue's got a contract for you.
MCA Emma Willis. Have you?
But I think most impressed was
the fact that you've just attached
yourself, done the role completely.
Can I have a picture with you,
please?
Emma fitted in beautifully
with the team. Really well.
Oh, I'm sorry but that's horrible!
THEY LAUGH
And we are going to badly miss her.
'Deputy CEO of the hospital,
Nancy Fontaine,
has joined the celebrations.'
I just want to point out
that Emma has been fully competent
as being adept in, are you ready
for the list of this?
Record keeping in accordance
with maternity standards.
Manual blood pressure recording.
Venipuncture blood taking.
CHEERING
And newborn feeding support.
So I'm glad to welcome you to accept
your certificate, Emma Willis.
APPLAUSE
Well done.
I think there'll be lots of things
in my day-to-day life
that will constantly remind me
of what I've learned.
Erm really just
a massive thank you for having me
and for welcoming me and supporting
me and I'm gonna go
I have banged on about wanting to
make this show for such a long time.
And it's something
I always, always wanted to do.
And thank you
for letting me live it.
I've loved it.
And I'm really gonna miss you all.
The people
are what make this unit what it is,
their sense of humour.
And their compassion.
It's infectious.
And the lengths they go to
to help people,
I would want to be
in no one else's care.
And genuinely aside from the birth
of my kids and marrying my husband
this is by far the best experience
I've ever had so thank you.
Thank you.
'From the moment
her first daughter was born,
television presenter
and mother-of-three Emma Willis
has been in awe of midwives.'
Keep it there, keep it there.
EMMA:
'You just kind of sit back and go,
what incredible women,
what an incredible job.'
Come on, go, go, go.
'That was when my mission
to deliver babies began.'
'Emma's been given
a unique opportunity
to find out just what it takes
to work on the frontline
of a busy maternity unit.'
'If you're gonna do something like
this, you have to do it properly.'
Six pound four.
Wow!
'At a time when there is
a national shortage of midwives,
Emma will immerse herself
on the ward for ten weeks,
supporting the team.'
I just wanted to see if we could get
some contractions going.
'She will share the pressures'
Emergency.
I need some help in here.
Where is it?
'The fears'
Your heart is going.
'and the joys'
I've even been written up
on the board!
You're a dad! It's a girl!
'of delivering babies.'
Well done, you!
SHE SIGHS
EMMA: 'It's my last day. I wanna
still come here every week.'
I'm not allowed to!
Really just a massive thank you
for having me.
Erm I've loved it
and I'm really gonna miss you all!
Where is she?
It's such a vital part
of connection between mum and baby.
Try to deliver the baby by forceps.
Keep going, keep going, keep going.
'After ten weeks,
Emma's time working
as a maternity care assistant
is coming to an end.'
She's probably like, what's this
horrible feeling as well?
Those rubber gloves.
BABY CRIES
Got to live out
my childhood fantasy.
'And love it.
And not be disappointed by it.'
Would you do it all again?
Like, in a heartbeat.
'Now competent
in all key skills'
Sharp scratch.
'she's at the patients'
every beck and call.'
OK? Yeah. Are you sure?
It's funny because erm
I feel very settled here now.
'And I'm a bit like, I can do this.'
I think the nipple's too low, yeah.
I understand the lingo, I know
what everyone's talking about.
PPH situation.
Post partum haemorrhage?
She knows. We're teaching her well.
Ah!
'Now I'm like, oh, it's like a
secret code that I now understand.'
I wanna still come here every week.
But erm
But I'm not allowed to
after this week!
I'll be at the door like that,
going, "Let me in!"
"I've come back! I've come back!
Does anyone want a cup of tea?"
THEY LAUGH
'It's 8pm and Emma is working
a 12-hour night shift.
Her first patient is Vicky.'
Hello! How you doing?
OK.
I've got a lot of stuff with me.
'Vicky is here with her daughters
Olivia and Sienna,
and her partner Ben'
Have you moved in?
Yeah!
'who she's expecting
her first child with.'
On that yoga ball.
'Vicky's 35 weeks pregnant
and has been admitted
with her second significant bleed.'
So when did you come in?
Yesterday afternoon, wasn't it?
By ambulance.
BEN: Quarter past three.
When did your bleeding start?
Yesterday. I felt some cramping.
And I went to the toilet,
thought my waters had gone.
Your waters had gone?
That's what I thought had happened.
I was on the toilet and it felt like
it did with both of them.
And then when I checked,
it was blood.
I gave birth to her at home.
I didn't realise I was in labour.
So I'm just really anxious
that this one will be rapid as well.
How rapid was she?
I was on the toilet and her head
came out so I had to get off
quickly!
She was nearly a toilet baby!
It's such a good job
you weren't a toilet baby.
Far too pretty for that.
BEN: That's a matter of opinion!
THEY LAUGH
Do you know what you're having?
Another girl.
So three girls.
Three girls.
BEN: Payback from God for me.
THEY LAUGH
Hey, come on!
All these hormones around?
THEY LAUGH
Were you hoping for a boy?
Yeah.
THEY LAUGH Yeah.
My dad's in a house
with four women and he loves it.
Good luck. I hope it all goes
as you want it to go.
OK, thanks very much.
Thank you. Thank you.
BEN: 'Vicky's always banged on about
wanting me to have a girl.
I've already got two boys
with my ex-wife.'
The girls wanted a sister.
I wanted them to have a brother
just so I wasn't so outnumbered.
We bought a cat for the girls
and we thought we had a boy cat.
And even that turned out to be
female when we got it checked.
So erm Yeah, she's adamant
it'll be the making of me.
And I'm 36
and I've still yet to grow up
as I get reminded every day.
Nights.
SHE LAUGHS
'The most challenging part
of the evening for me
is getting through the tiredness.'
'As the antenatal ward
quietens down for the evening'
Hi, Emma.
Hi.
'Emma is called to the labour
ward to assist midwife Naghmeh
with a post-birth placenta check.'
So if put your gloves on.
Have a feel of it, it's actually
quite warm so it's nice.
Oh, it is.
This is the side that is stuck on
the wall of the womb.
Like this. Baby is in this bag here.
The interesting thing is this baby
has been jiggling about and moving
and you've got a knot in the cord.
This is called the true knot
and it just moves, look.
You can move it up and down.
How does it knot though?
It's been moving
and it's done somersaults.
And it's just knotted.
How?
And out.
'Blood is taken from the cord to
help evaluate a newborn's health.'
Would you like to take it?
SHE GASPS No!
What if I do it wrong?
You go at this angle in here.
Perfect. Go in.
That's it.
Oh. Oh.
You're fine. That's it, go through.
And then withdraw your plunger.
SHE SQUEALS Perfect, perfect.
Lovely.
EMMA: 'Placentas are, like,
wonderful things.'
It's such a vital part of
connection between mum and baby,
do you know what I mean?
That for it to come out
and not even pay it any attention
would seem really rude!
Right, let's go.
'It's 6am and a mother in the first
stage of labour has just arrived.'
Hello!
Hello.
Hi!
I'm in charge today.
Hello.
How are you feeling, darling?
Painful.
Good!
THEY LAUGH
Bless you.
'First-time parents
Catherine and Aaron
have come in after
Catherine's waters broke at home.'
It's just horrific.
'She's currently experiencing four
contractions every ten minutes.'
Remember these are good,
nice, positive pains.
I know, I know.
But they are, honestly, trust me.
You need the pain
to get the baby out. I know.
Trust me.
Is it not working
cos it didn't work earlier.
It's on Fahrenheit
instead of Celsius. Oh.
So I was like,
whoa, that's really high.
SHE LAUGHS
BLEEPING
Much better.
What a beautiful day
your baby's being born.
Do you think it'll be born today?
Your baby has got to be.
Do you think? Yes!
Do you think so?
I hope so.
Positive mental attitude.
I like that! My blood type is B
positive, to be fair, so Is it?
So we'll just go with
Be positive.
For first-time mums
when they come in to give birth,
it can be a very, very,
very frightening experience.
We've got to welcome them
into the unit
with warmth and love.
Don't talk, don't talk
if you don't want to.
So they are fully relaxed
and they are in control.
Keep sweating.
EMMA: How did you meet?
We met online.
We did, yeah.
How long ago?
Nearly five years ago.
Right.
I don't know why on earth he was
online trying to date people.
I was on it with my brother and my
mate. Not as like a threesome!
THEY LAUGH
We were just all on there
at the same time.
I can't believe we're going to go
home with a baby today. So weird.
I'm gonna leave you,
I'm gonna go home.
See you later. Bye.
See you later.
Oh, God
This is the time of day that I've
come to enjoy most on night shifts.
And it's handover time.
So all the day staff are coming on.
Which means it's time
for the night staff to go home.
Which includes me.
So I'm gonna go and say goodbye.
Safe journey home.
Bye, darling, bye.
Thank you.
Thank you.
'An hour and a half
after Emma has left,
Catherine is fully dilated
and pushing.'
I feel like
it's never gonna come out.
He'll come out.
'She's being guided
through her contractions'
Hold it there.
'by midwife Lynn.'
No noise out your throat. All your
energy right down into your bottom.
SHE GROANS
Don't be scared.
All right? It's normal.
It's so painful!
I know it's painful.
I know it's painful.
'Catherine has chosen to give birth
using just gas and air.
But because her baby
is back to back,
the contractions are more painful.'
Catherine, what happens, darling,
is we give you sort of a window
once you're fully dilated.
We let you push
for about two hours.
OK? All right?
That's it, better, go again, again!
You need to use the contractions,
honey, use them.
When a first-time mum
is really worried,
it actually makes me feel like,
right, I've got some work to do.
I've got to really try and be
a positive influence on her.
Try and make her experience better.
It actually makes me work harder.
Wait for it to build up
and then use it, OK? Use it up.
'Catherine has been pushing
for an hour and a half.'
Here he is.
Hello, young lady.
'But with very little progression,
Dr Ali has been called in
to advise.'
The baby is back to back.
That's why you're struggling.
So we need to see if we can
deliver you in the theatre.
This will be done
by probably forceps. Erm
If we can't we will switch
straightaway for Caesarean section.
I need to help you get changed
so we'll put a gown on you.
Take this off.
'Catherine's hopes
of a natural delivery are over.'
SHE GROANS
'In theatre, Dr Ali has escalated
first-time mum Catherine's
natural birth
to a forceps delivery.'
Do you want her legs up, Dr Ali?
Do you want her legs up?
DOCTOR: Yes, please.
'Catherine is unable
to have an epidural
due to previous back injury.'
Oh, no, it'll do.
Like your life depends on it, OK?
Forceps are quite large instruments
and they get inserted
into the vagina.
I'm just
going to apply the forceps now.
And the doctors will then
pull to help deliver the baby.
SHE MOANS
It does look really scary.
SHE GROANS
DOCTOR: It's all right.
You are only allowed
to pull three times.
Again.
This is to reduce the risk
of any permanent damage to baby.
It's not gonna hurt my baby?
It does really stress babies out.
Come on, keep going, keep going.
Keep going, keep going, keep going.
SHE YELLS
'Dr Ali is finding it difficult
to pull Catherine's baby
down the birth canal.'
SHE MOANS
Oh, Christ alive.
'And as time passes,
both mother and baby are becoming
more and more distressed.'
DOCTOR:
You're doing very well. Big push.
And again.
'The forceps delivery
has been unsuccessful.
Catherine has now been put under
general anaesthetic
as the team need to get her baby
out quickly.'
General anaesthetic would be
the last resort for a Caesarean
section.
It means that the women obviously
aren't awake for the procedure.
And their partners
can't be in the room either
so it becomes
a disconnected delivery.
They don't see their babies
being born.
SUCKING SOUND
OK, pull.
'Within four minutes
of Catherine being put to sleep,
her baby girl is born.'
Thank you. Table, please.
Hello, hello, hello!
Good girl.
'It's really different delivering
a baby when mum's asleep and dad's
not in the room.'
You do wanna
get the baby wrapped and OK
and well and out to Dad
as soon as we can.
Lovely.
I'm gonna go and explain this
to dad.
'Two doors up from theatre,
Aaron is anxiously awaiting news.'
Got your daughter
to come and meet you.
I need to show you something.
Cos of the forceps, if you push just
there you can feel it's swollen.
Don't worry, this will completely go
back to normal. I promise, OK?
But she's beautiful and there's
no concerns for her whatsoever.
Mum's fine.
Mum's fine. She's still asleep.
OK?
I think for dads meeting
their babies for the first time
is really emotional
and they probably don't realise
how much they're gonna love
something till they get given it.
Everyone's fine. It's a whirlwind.
It's all happened so quickly.
They just get overcome and they
just stare at them the whole time.
I think they just fall in love
instantly.
So we'll leave you
to bond for a bit.
Finally.
Got a fat little face, haven't you?
'It's 8am
and Emma is back on shift.'
Hello, birthing unit,
Emma speaking.
And you think your waters
have broken?
'She has just 30 working hours left
in the role
of a maternity care assistant.'
Can I put you on hold and I'll just
go and find a midwife?
'And this morning she's been tasked
with carrying out a routine
examination
on a baby
that was born 12 hours ago.'
Hello!
Hiya!
Are you all right if I do
your baby check? Yes, of course.
Sorry.
Head feels good.
Do you mind if I take these out?
Fine.
Thank you.
Have they spoke to you
about safer sleeping for the baby?
Yes.
Yeah.
So keep the cot clear.
Yeah.
So maybe try not to put
these kind of things in.
Sorry, little lady.
Has she Is she weeing and pooing?
Yes, yeah.
A lot of poo! Yeah.
Has she? Oh, that's good.
Oh! Got a wipe?
Was she erm We're going again!
She's really going!
I'm glad I didn't move
that nappy out the way.
She only had a little bit of milk
earlier, didn't she?
BABY CRIES
Do you wanna grab me a nappy
before she goes again?
BABY BURPS
That was a massive burp.
She needed that. You get it out
both ends on me. That's fine.
I opened her nappy,
she'd got a bit of mess.
I thought,
oh, I'll change her nappy.
You guys chill,
new parents and all that.
SHE LAUGHS
And then it literally, it was like,
you know when you get an ice cream
and it just keeps coming out?
It was just like that!
I was a bit like,
I can't move quick enough!
SHE LAUGHS
I've come up trumps, I've found
a little girl's babygrow.
SHE LAUGHS
'On the antenatal ward,
Vicky and partner Ben
have been waiting for news
after Vicky was admitted
with a significant bleed.
Before leaving for the day,
Emma checks in with them
on patient rounds.'
Hello.
What's that? You're like that.
We've got an answer finally.
Did they come in?
It's the answer we wanted.
They're gonna induce me today.
So baby will be hopefully
Are they really?
We had about ten people
through the door.
It'll move quickly,
you'll have her naturally,
you can all kind of relax and know
that everybody is safe and well.
Your life's over!
Your life's just beginning.
There's something about
when a dad sees his first daughter
for the first time that
We'll see very soon!
Yeah!
They seem to crumble
in like an amazing way.
Like there's just something funny
that seems to happen.
He won't be crying knowing him.
No.
I would really love to be
at the birth
cos I want to see
what happens to him
once his daughter
comes into the world.
He's gonna cry!
SHE LAUGHS
That's my prediction.
Ben will melt before our very eyes.
'On the labour ward,
it's been 24 hours
since Vicky's
induction process began.
With very little progression
into labour,
Dr Maneeb has been called in
to break her waters.
But now, she's started to bleed.'
Another sheet?
Yes, please.
It's quite blood stained down below.
We're always wary if we break
somebody's waters and we see
a heavy blood loss.
We're never able to know exactly
what the cause is at the time,
which is why we we have to watch
really, really closely.
Clinical expertise
at this point is crucial.
If there are signs that the
placenta might be coming away,
that can be a life-threatening event
for the baby,
so we take bleeding
in pregnancy very, very seriously.
'Doctors are concerned
that the severity of the blood loss
poses a risk to Vicky and her baby.'
All right.
BLEEPING
'They decide the safest thing
for both mum and baby
is to deliver immediately
by Caesarean section.'
Where is she?
It can be really scary for dads
if there's an emergency.
Because we have to go
to theatre very quickly,
they don't understand
what's happening.
But we all know what our roles are.
And dads know that they are there
to support the mum.
DOCTOR: OK, a lot
of pulling and pushing now.
Is it tingling?
Will she be under or awake?
She will be for the whole thing?
HE SNIFFS
DOCTOR: Are you feeling any pain?
OK, yeah.
'In the theatre
everything's in place all the time
for an emergency.'
It becomes quite a slick process.
You all right?
DOCTOR:
Keep taking nice deep breaths.
You want to see the baby coming out?
No, I don't.
'Within two minutes of the
surgeon making the first incision,
Vicky and Ben's baby girl is born.'
DOCTOR: Congratulations. Well done.
HE CRIES
Little girl.
Can't seen her.
'Dad Ben is about to meet his
daughter for the very first time.'
It's wonderful seeing dads see
their baby for the first time.
I see a real gush of emotion.
It's a really special moment.
Bless her.
We'll just take her to mum.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure.
You're poor for the rest
of your life now you've got a girl.
Oh, yeah.
SHE LAUGHS
She looks like you.
I think she looks like her.
It's those cheeks.
Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah?
'As she is five weeks premature,
Vicky and Ben's daughter
will be taken to the neonatal
intensive care unit
to be thoroughly checked over.'
BLEEPING
THEY CHAT INDISTINCTLY
'Three days
after Vicky gave birth'
Hello!
'Emma is back on shift.'
She arrived!
Wow!
Oh my gosh, look at her.
You all right? How are you?
I was a bit of a mess.
I eat my words.
THEY LAUGH
So I called it right.
You did. I mean, it was
I what? What?
I
How did you feel when you saw her?
Did you melt a little bit?
Yeah.
Yeah!
SHE LAUGHS
He just keeps looking at her,
he's going, "I just love her."
But she's his, apparently, his.
Not mine, his.
EMMA GIGGLES
BABY CRIES
Look at him, straight up.
You can go.
No, you get her.
I wanna see you with her, go on.
Take her hat off so you can see
her mass of hair.
Look at how much hair she's got!
She's not like you!
THEY LAUGH
Oh my God, she's a dink, isn't she?
Your little girl.
'I could just sit and stroke them
all day.
Ben is a bit of a joker.'
She looks very happy.
I was right that Ben would crumble
once meeting his baby girl
for the first time.
But he was very kind of open
about how he felt in the moment.
Obviously post birth he's now back
to being a joker
and dealing with it that way.
Thank you.
Congratulations.
I'm gutted I missed it.
Gutted I missed your reaction.
But I'm glad you're all OK now.
She's lovely.
See you in a bit.
See you later.
No, she's so chilled out.
Val.
Hi.
You know this
is our last shift together. I know.
Oh!
Oh!
Thank you so much, Val.
You're very, very welcome.
For everything.
I feel like
you've been my guiding light.
You've been a star pupil.
Honestly. You've been amazing.
And when you get fed up with TV,
just come and work.
Thank you
because you made it so easy.
And when I panicked and I was like,
I'm never gonna learn everything,
you'd just go, "Don't be stupid."
Roll your eyes.
You're very welcome.
You're an absolute gem.
Have a lovely holiday.
And you.
And I won't call you on holiday
because that's your family time.
But maybe the week after.
(WHISPERS) My family time's
not like your family time.
SHE LAUGHS
You can call me when you want.
Bye, Val, thank you.
Take care.
Bye.
Bye.
'The Princess Alexandra Hospital
has a low Caesarean birth rate.'
SHE SNEEZES Bless you.
'But due to an existing medical
condition, second-time mother Amy
will have an elective Caesarean
later today.'
Do you know what you're expecting?
A girl. That's nice.
'She's joined
by her partner Daniel.'
'Me and Amy have been together ten
years and she's everything to me.'
I'm very lucky. My mates always joke
I'm punching. I am, I know that.
And that's the running joke.
I can take that cos it's true.
Right, let's do it.
You'll be all right, you know.
It was actually Amy
that decided that she wanted kids.
I was ready but that's when
it started, trying for a baby,
and she had two miscarriages and
it took three years to have Sienna.
So this baby obviously means
the world to us. It completes us.
How's it going?
Nervous.
This is the surgeon.
Yeah, we met.
Everything's gonna be fine,
I promise you.
What we'll do,
when they've cut the cord here
you'll stay with mum
until baby's delivered.
And then you'll come and meet me
over on resus where it's warm.
Brilliant. And then we'll shorten
the cord, cut the cord shorter.
Erm I won't be able to cut
the cord but I'll do the nappy.
We probably
won't do the nappy here.
We'll just wrap her up but you can
make sure everything's all right.
I can't cut the cord.
It's not gonna be attached to mum.
No, but I couldn't do it last time,
it was a shock last time.
I'm glad you're asking me now
but thanks but no thanks.
THEY LAUGH
Sometimes you just need to have
a bit of leeway with partners.
They're not experiencing
what the woman is going through
and sometimes they just feel
a bit useless.
I think we have to say to them,
"You just being here is key."
Take some deep breaths.
Deep breath, Amy.
HE SOBS
Caesarean section category?
Category three.
'In theatre, Amy and Daniel
are awaiting the delivery
of their second child
by Caesarean section.'
Does the woman have any allergies?
No.
My role in theatre is to support
and prepare the lady
to undergo major surgery.
We try to accommodate
all the things that you would
in a normal delivery, it's just
in a different environment.
So I'm just going
to place your legs
and put in the catheter
so it empties your bladder
throughout the procedure.
All right to do that?
Course.
DOCTOR:
If you feel dizzy, let me know.
OK.
And I will give you something.
Are you staying there?
Yeah, I'm staying there.
SHE LAUGHS
Ouch.
What's the matter?
That hurt.
DOCTOR: It's me.
No worries. OK. No worries.
Once she's laid down and it becomes
like this sterile environment
and drape starts to go up,
I think their adrenalin starts to go
and though it seems like
it's sometimes a barrier method,
we have to remember
it's still a sterile procedure
and it helps reduce
the risk of infection
but they're not forgotten,
we know they're there.
You're doing really well.
Don't forget what you said, though.
You haven't cried yet so you should
cry now, really, I think.
Are you in pain?
'As the surgeon reaches the uterus,
the amniotic fluid is removed.'
You all right? You all right?
'And forceps are used
to help deliver the baby's head.
Five days earlier than expected,
Amy and Daniel's daughter
is brought into the world.'
Hello!
Is she OK?
Hello, darling.
Just give her a clean up.
And then we'll be back.
Gonna follow me?
Yeah. You all right?
Yeah.
Look after her.
Of course.
Does she remind you
of your other girl? Yeah. Yeah.
HE SOBS
SHE SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY Hello.
I can't touch her, can I, yet?
Course you can!
Yeah? My little girl.
You know Daddy's voice.
Hello.
SHE CRIES
Hello.
My little gorgeous girl.
Daddy's got you
a little present already.
You've got the hat in your pocket?
Yeah.
Oh, look at that bow.
We'll get your wrapped up
then go and meet Mummy.
Oh yeah.
'Amy is about to meet her second
daughter for the first time.'
She's amazing.
She's all right.
She's got darker hair.
I'm gonna place her, like, here.
Hello.
Hello, Bella.
Girls against boys, there's
three of us and one of them.
We're complete now, Ben.
Yeah.
'Over the past ten weeks,
Emma has been one
of 60 maternity care assistants
supporting
the Princess Alexandra Hospital.'
I've done the hours and the shifts
that every other MCA
at the hospital does.
'I didn't just want to dip in
and out to see what it was like.
I wanted to live and breathe it.'
BABY CRIES Sorry.
I knew it was hard work cos I saw
my mum do it for so many years.
BABY CRIES
Little lump!
But it's been incredibly rewarding.
'Her time in the role
is now coming to an end.'
Hi.
Hello!
Bye!
Oh!
A little bit emotional.
But I will see you soon, definitely.
Take care, Emma.
Bye.
'Before Emma
finishes her final shift,
her colleagues
have prepared a little surprise.'
CHEERING
Emma was a brilliant MCA.
She took to the role so quickly.
And she just got her hands dirty,
which to be perfectly honest
I didn't think she would.
But she did. She did everything
that we asked and more.
THEY LAUGH
We've got news for you, though.
You're not actually leaving.
THEY LAUGH
Sue's got a contract for you.
MCA Emma Willis. Have you?
But I think most impressed was
the fact that you've just attached
yourself, done the role completely.
Can I have a picture with you,
please?
Emma fitted in beautifully
with the team. Really well.
Oh, I'm sorry but that's horrible!
THEY LAUGH
And we are going to badly miss her.
'Deputy CEO of the hospital,
Nancy Fontaine,
has joined the celebrations.'
I just want to point out
that Emma has been fully competent
as being adept in, are you ready
for the list of this?
Record keeping in accordance
with maternity standards.
Manual blood pressure recording.
Venipuncture blood taking.
CHEERING
And newborn feeding support.
So I'm glad to welcome you to accept
your certificate, Emma Willis.
APPLAUSE
Well done.
I think there'll be lots of things
in my day-to-day life
that will constantly remind me
of what I've learned.
Erm really just
a massive thank you for having me
and for welcoming me and supporting
me and I'm gonna go
I have banged on about wanting to
make this show for such a long time.
And it's something
I always, always wanted to do.
And thank you
for letting me live it.
I've loved it.
And I'm really gonna miss you all.
The people
are what make this unit what it is,
their sense of humour.
And their compassion.
It's infectious.
And the lengths they go to
to help people,
I would want to be
in no one else's care.
And genuinely aside from the birth
of my kids and marrying my husband
this is by far the best experience
I've ever had so thank you.
Thank you.