Emma Willis: Delivering Babies (2018) s02e02 Episode Script
Season 2, Episode 2
1
Last year, TV presenter and
mother-of-three Emma Willis
spent ten weeks working
on the front line
of the Princess Alexandra Hospital's
maternity unit.
Well done!
It's something I've always,
always wanted to do.
Thank you for letting me live it.
Now, Emma is returning to finish
her training
Really got hooked with this,
haven't you?
Yeah!
I love it! I love it.
..to become a fully-qualified
maternity care assistant
that could work in any hospital
in the country.
I feel like there's so much
to learn.
She'll be more independent
Ah!
You're one of us!
It's real!
..across high-risk wards
BABY CRIES
..and in theatre
Hello!
Just got a bit broody for a second
then.
..supporting a dedicated team
of midwives
That's it, that's really good.
Keep that going, keep that going.
Push it away!
Push it away.
Push, push, push, push, push.
That's the one, that's the one.
..Emma will share the pressures
PA: please go to labour ward
theatre.
..the fears
I'm scared!
..and the joys
You're going to have a baby.
Oh! I love you already.
..of helping to bring new life
Congratulations.
..into the world.
Oh, my God!
I'm going to be a wreck
by the end of this.
All right, then, Wendy. Thanks,
love. Cheers. See you then. Bye.
It's 7.30 in the morning
Morning! You OK?
..and Emma is starting
another eight-hour shift
at the Princess Alexandra Hospital's
maternity department.
Hi, Dr Ali!
Emma is one of 60 maternity care
assistants who work in the unit,
and this is her second week back.
All the things that I thought were
simple, I'm like,
"There's not a bag on it!
What colour bag needs to go on it?"
I do want to be taken seriously
as a maternity care assistant.
I want to do it
because I genuinely love it,
and I want to be in that world,
and kind of be able to
..carry myself without having to
rely on other people
in that environment, so it means
a massive, massive amount to me.
So far, Emma has been refreshing
her skills.
Two sheets, one blanket,
and a pillow case.
But over the coming weeks,
she'll be tested in all aspects
of the role.
Emma is aiming to pass
her care certificate
and become a fully qualified MCA.
Hello, Emma.
How are you?
I'm good, thank you. You?
Yeah, you know, good.
Little bit apprehensive again.
You remember Mary?
Yes.
Mary and midwife Mandy will be
overseeing Emma's progress
for the next 15 weeks.
So it's lovely to have you back,
but now this time,
you're going to be with us
for a bit longer. Yeah.
So we want to put some more training
into place so that
you know that you are confident
and competent Yeah.
..in the role that you're
going to be taking on.
So that's why Mary's come to talk
to you about the extra elements
that you'll need to take on as part
of your care certificate. OK.
The care certificate's
made up of 15 units,
and the expectation is that
you would complete all those parts
by the time you complete
your time here.
Yeah. Yeah.
It's a lot of work. There's parts of
it that you'll do practically,
but there's an awful lot of written.
OK. OK?
Mentally, I know what to do,
but trying to write something down
is where I go
I understand it in my head,
and I can do it,
and show you that I can do it, but
explaining it on a piece of paper
might be what I find tricky
SHE SQUEALS
Information overload!
It's made me feel positive about
me being fully able to fly solo.
I don't know what this is.
But it's also made me
absolutely terrified,
because I was never good at exams.
It's such important stuff.
It's like real life,
not pretend telly life,
so you don't want to do it wrong.
And I feel like I've had this
pretend life for a long time,
and now someone's actually asking
me to be a grown-up with something.
And I mean, I wish I hadn't
come in today!
20% of births at the
Princess Alexandra Hospital
take place on the birthing unit.
It's where low-risk pregnancies
are admitted.
Art director Sara and her husband
Jake arrived at the hospital
an hour ago.
They've been together eight years.
We met at sixth form.
Dunno, she was just good-looking.
I mean, that's how it all starts,
really, innit?
Last year, we got married
in Majorca.
It was in the mountains.
We had about 100 people come over.
It was just a really great day.
Exactly nine months on, Sara is
in the early stages of labour.
So we think it might be
a wedding night baby.
All right?
Yeah.
It is our first.
And, yeah, just nervous for it,
really. Excited, but nervous.
Before Emma's shift on the
birthing unit comes to an end,
she's making her final rounds.
How you getting on? Fine, yeah,
just trying to breathe through it.
Yeah. Odd!
And it's all going well so far?
I think so. Well, you're in
birthing unit, which is a good sign.
Yeah. It just feels like,
because he's rubbish at massage.
That's what you should have been
doing for the last nine months,
is learning massage.
Yeah, I should have gone to a class.
For this very moment!
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine, yeah.
Can't really do anything.
Just holding my hand, which is good.
You want to be able to do as much
as you can, don't you?
But the kind of power
is out of your control.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And then she's just in pain, so
And there's nothing you do
about that either. No.
Wish men could go through this.
Men don't.
No!
Sara and Jack are very cute.
They have that kind of first-time
parent look on their faces.
She's super focused,
bouncing on a ball.
She's very in the zone, and he
..looks absolutely terrified!
It was so sweet, because he's just
sat in a chair opposite her,
holding her hands, like,
moving like this with her.
I think, "Bet you're going to be
doing that for hours".
So is there anything else
you need? No. You sure? Yeah.
Do you need anything?
No, I'm fine, thank you.
Well, just give a shout or buzz
if you need anything.
Cool. Thank you very much.
See you later. Bye!
There's something about that
first time that is really beautiful
to watch.
But he does look like a little lamb,
though.
Like that.
Pass me the water, please.
Thanks.
I didn't think
it would take this long.
Sara has now been contracting
for over 22 hours,
but her labour isn't progressing.
Just ready for it to come out now.
The midwife who will be taking
over her care is Nagmeh,
one of the longest-serving members
of staff.
Though I have delivered
well over 1,000,
I still There's not a baby
I deliver that I don't think,
"Oh, my God".
And it's the reaction of the family
is what it gets you here.
As Sara is only two centimetres
dilated,
Nagmeh is going to help progress
labour by breaking her waters.
There we go.
A nice happy baby there.
Thank you. Really, we just have got
to get on with breaking your waters.
You're happy with that?
Yeah. Lovely.
It will be a little bit
uncomfortable.
Warm fluid coming
between your legs.
Can you feel that? Yeah? OK.
It's usually a straightforward
procedure,
but Nagmeh has seen something
worrying.
Sara, baby has done a poo
inside you.
Has it? Yeah. The fluid is what
we call a meconium-stained liquor.
Baby has passed meconium there.
We need to transfer you to the
labour ward, and also we need to
keep you continuously on the monitor
until your baby's born.
The baby has opened its bowels
in the uterus,
which can be a sign it's distressed.
Once you've got meconium,
you have to up the game, in a way.
If it is in correlation
with the baby's heart rate
monitoring changing, or mother's
condition is changing,
that is very, very dangerous.
Very dangerous.
Then it would be imperative
to deliver that baby.
Are you OK?
Yes.
Sara is being transferred
to the labour ward
because she is now high risk.
Sara.
SARA CRIES
Come here, come here, my lovely.
I know you're tired,
and you're in a lot of pain.
The longer the labour goes on,
the greater the risk of infection
to the baby.
Breathe, it darling, breathe it.
SARA GROANS
Breathe it.
You have been beautifully
positive,
and that way we are going to go.
Are you with me, Sara?
Yes. Yes, good girl.
SARA BREATHES HEAVILY
Good girl. Big, long breaths.
Sara has been in labour
for 36 hours.
She's being closely monitored
after her baby
opened its bowels in the uterus.
Can I have some water?
Husband Jake has been by her side
throughout.
Go on, keep going.
A new midwife team have taken over.
I'd like to put your legs up
in the stirrups.
I know it's not very comfortable,
but it really does help.
I want you pulling back
on your legs,
cos we've got to business now.
Yeah. Yeah?
Sara has been pushing
for an hour and a half.
Here we go, ready?
The midwife team can see signs that
she's ready to give birth.
Change your breath. Well done.
JAKE: Doing really well.
Keep going, keep going, keep going.
Don't push again.
Just let that leg go.
That's it. Good girl. Bit more.
Bit more, Sara. Keep going.
Brilliant. Good, good.
Now, take a big breath.
And go again.
Big push! Big push.
Concentrate. Excellent.
Keep going, keep going, keep going.
Well done. That's it.
Keep it coming.
See we've got a head now.
We've got a head now, that's good.
Good.
Good girl.
That's it. Keep going, keep going.
Keep going.
Come on, Sara, bit more.
More, more, more.
That's it!
That's it.
Keep going, keep going, keep going.
Go on, girl, you can do this.
Keep going, keep going, keep
going, keep going, keep going.
Bit more, my darling.
So with the next one, I'm going to
just give you a little cup.
Put my fingers there ready, OK?
Midwife Claire performs
an episiotomy,
a small cut to help make space
for the baby to come out.
Big push.
Keep going, keep going, keep going.
And we've got the head.
Yes, please.
So with the next big push, you've
still got a contraction, right?
Give me a big push. Come on.
That's wonderful, well done.
Yes, excellent.
We have a baby!
SARA: Oh!
There we are.
Well done, well done, well done.
Congratulations.
What have you got?
Girl.
Congratulations.
You did so well. So well.
You're a big girl!
I'm so proud of you, babe.
Congratulations.
We've got to look after that
for the rest of our lives.
Yeah!
BABY CRIES
Even though she was exhausted,
she didn't seem to lose
that will to push.
Some women just can't do it
any more.
And that's when it's so important
to encourage and maybe
talk a little bit about the baby.
That's when the sort of cheerleading
comes in,
that you're just trying to get
that last little bit of energy
when they're exhausted.
Lovely!
Thank you so much.
You're welcome. You did so well,
Sara. Your pushing was outstanding,
really, considering all them hours
you'd been in labour.
You did absolutely brilliantly.
Just pleased it's over,
and pleased Sara's out of pain.
Feel a bit knackered, though,
and I haven't even done anything.
You look amazing!
Shall I take that linen bag out?
Yes, please.
The hospital carries out 12
elective caesareans each week,
and today, Emma is helping to
prep a theatre ahead of a birth.
Like all the other MCAs
Can't remember where I've done now,
and where I haven't.
..assisting in theatre is another
area that Emma will have to master.
Two? This way.
You would have definitely
clunked your head, wouldn't you?
Emma is being shown what's expected
of her by experienced MCA Hayley.
If any swabs accidentally got lost
inside, or they were stuck inside,
if you went upstairs for an X-ray,
they would then show up
to say where they were.
Yeah.
Theatre MCAs count the surgical
instruments to make sure
they are all accounted for
at the end of surgery.
Ready?
Yeah.
Ramsays toothed and non-toothed?
One, two.
BP handles?
One, two.
Spencers?
One, two, three, four, five, six,
seven, eight.
Lovely. Thank you very much.
Obviously, during surgery, if they
ask for any extra,
then I'd cross the four
and put five.
So it's never just plus one,
you always put however many. Yeah.
In the coming weeks, Emma will be
expected to perform this role
on her own.
They've given us a large set
instead of the small,
so we've got large swabs
and abdo packs,
not small swabs and abdo packs.
OK.
I want to feel confident enough
to know my way around a theatre.
So if somebody says to me,
"Emma, can you do this?",
I can say,
"Yes, I can absolutely do that".
Where does that go?
Stick that on there, that's fine.
And then that one.
But it is still something that feels
really daunting
because it's such a huge thing.
You know, there's a lot of things
to learn.
There's a lot of different
equipment
That's it.
That's it.
..and it has to go smoothly,
because it's an operation.
You can't be the one to balls it up.
Do you want to put it on there?
Don't want to mess it up.
You won't, just don't touch
anything
Just pull that apart and tip it out
on top.
On top of it anywhere?
Yeah.
Emma and the theatre team
are preparing for an elective
caesarean section.
The couple in question are Mark
and Lucy,
who were having their second baby.
Hello, how are you?
I'm Emma, nice to meet you.
Hello, I'm Lucy.
Yes. We are ready, yes.
Do you want me to take your coat or
anything? No, honestly.
You sure? I don't mind.
Hello. Emma. Nice to meet you.
All right? Yeah, good.
Bit different from the last time.
Really?
A lot different.
Right. The section?
Yes, emergency.
Oh. Slightly different.
Yeah, slightly different.
You've got some scrubs.
OK, brilliant.
Which it sounds like
you're used to wearing. Yeah!
And your gown.
Could you pop your gown on?
Yeah.
Front to back, tie at the back.
OK. Brilliant.
You OK?
Yes, fine.
Great. We'll see you in there.
The couple have been together
since their first date
eight years ago.
Something just clicked.
It was there, it was chemistry.
It felt different.
A year and a half later,
got married,
and then had our first child,
Isabel.
She's three now.
Lucy had an emergency section
with her first child,
so with baby number two,
they have opted for an elective
straight away.
So, about to go in.
I think everyone's nervous
when it comes to things like this.
Just stand here for a moment.
OK.
Little bit butterflies
in your stomach.
And then once we've got mum sorted,
we'll get you nice and close
and tucked in.
Yeah, OK. Yeah.
It's going to be a lot better
this time, hopefully.
Fingers crossed.
We're going to say we're going
to talk you through every step, OK?
With Lucy all prepped, a spinal
anaesthetic is administered
to numb the pain of the operation.
The added bonus is
we don't actually know
what we're having, so that adds
a little bit more excitement to it.
You all right?
Do you want me to take her leg?
I don't mind,
just don't want to get in your way.
No, no, you're all right.
Not in my way.
Before making the incision
to deliver the baby,
the surgeon cuts away at the scar
from Lucy's first caesarean.
I just find it fascinating
..and incredible.
With the scar removed, the surgeons
must cut through seven layers
of tissue to reach the baby.
Yeah. Oh, I'm ready.
And, less than ten minutes
after the first incision
Well done!
BABY CRIES
..the couple already have
a little girl.
It's down to Dad to announce
the gender
of their newest addition.
Lucy, we've got a little boy.
Little boy! Little boy.
Do you want to cut the cord?
Yeah, please.
Here we go. Right, I want you to cut
on this side of the cord.
There? Bit closer.
Just there? Perfect.
Keep chomping. It's very chompy.
Well done!
Got a good set of lungs on him.
So what we're going to do,
pop his hat on Yeah.
..and then get him back to Mummy.
We've got a baby here!
Congratulations.
It's nice to have a boy.
It was all very lovely as baby came
up, and Dad was like, "It's a boy!"
Oh! So nice.
I need to double check this boy.
No, it's definitely a boy, 100%.
It's really special to be
part of this whole process,
you know, that women are welcoming
you into the most kind of
private and intimate moment
of their life
Superb. Cheers. Thanks a lot.
..and it still kind of
blows my mind.
He's having a little look around.
He's saying, "Hello, world".
To see the whole cycle happen is
I mean, it's the most beautiful
thing on the planet.
Look at my little boy.
This potentially looks like
maternal.
Some pregnancies are more
complicated than others.
At the Princess Alexandra Hospital,
they monitor high-risk mums-to-be
in their antenatal unit.
I want to do lots!
Everything's stopped.
It's the start of a new
shift for Emma
Do you want to go and
do these bloods? Yeah.
..and like the other MCAs,
it's her role to check the lady's
vital signs every four hours.
We're going to do ten o'clock obs,
but there's a lady called Bethany
that needs manual.
I'm OK with this.
I'm OK with actually doing
manual blood pressure,
I'm just not very good at
finding the equipment,
or knowing where it is.
First-time mum Beth
is not yet full term.
She and partner Chloe have come in
due to Beth's high blood pressure.
Hi, Bethany. You OK?
Getting there, yeah. Yeah? Are
you all right to do your obs?
Yeah, that's fine.
And you need manual blood pressure,
right?
Now you are testing my skills.
It's the one thing
that I can't do whilst talking.
Chloe has a son
from a previous relationship.
She and Beth met on a dating app.
She's a shy person, so we was
talking for about a month
before we actually met. And then,
since then, we've been inseparable.
Our first date was actually
at her sister's house.
I met her whole family
on our first date.
We'd only been together
about five months
when we decided to have a child
together.
144 over 72.
We looked at donors and
going through the clinic,
and it just worked out
very expensive.
Let me write it down
before I put it in.
So we found this website
where we could meet a donor
and not pay the high massive
expenses for it.
And she's now having our little boy.
Beth is likely to be induced
because she has numerous conditions
that are making her pregnancy
difficult.
And what brought you in?
Dizziness, headaches.
Yeah.
And a one point, they thought
she had a blood clot in the brain.
So you're kind of thinking,
"Oh, my God".
Early signs of preeclampsia.
Got lupus as well.
Oh, you've got lupus. Right, OK.
What is lupus?
My immune system's overactive.
Right.
So it starts attacking
different areas of my body.
And when did you find out
you had preeclampsia?
A few days ago. Four days ago.
Yeah. The symptoms started about
four or five weeks ago, though.
So they said they'd
keep an eye on it. Mm.
And the plan is? Do you know,
is there a plan in place?
Inducing. So you just have to kind
of wait and see, don't you,
what happens?
Which is probably the last thing
you want to do.
So if you have a pre-existing
condition, and pregnancy,
and then preeclampsia, that is just
a whole brain full of worry.
I'd just be
..worrying beyond all belief.
Great.
I hope that they remain happy,
healthy and safe
until she's meant to have her
induction.
Do you know what you're having?
A boy.
Every time she sits up,
you can see his body,
and his bum sticking out.
Really?
Well, good luck.
And buzz if you need anything.
OK.
See you in a bit.
MCAs can be moved from ward to ward
over the course of any shift
I might just carry it in my hands.
..and Emma is now helping with
post-natal care.
There are so many codes.
I know!
She's preparing to remove a cannula,
the tube that supplies medicine
direct to the vein.
Do I need a sharp spin, or not?
Yeah. Yeah?
She's being supervised by midwife
Paola, originally from Spain.
She has over 25 years' experience.
So you remember everything?
Well, it's all coming back to me,
slowly.
I haven't done this yet
since I've been back,
so you don't want to do it wrong,
do you?
So I'd rather have somebody with me.
24 hours ago, Lucy and Mark's baby
Oliver was born
by Caesarean section, and Emma
assisted the team during the birth.
Hey!
Look at this little one.
Oh! Hello!
Lucy, I've come to take out
your cannula.
Is that all right?
Yes. Yeah? Yes. Great.
Oh!
I feel I know you so well after
seeing them stitch you up yesterday.
Right, OK.
BABY CRIES Sorry.
I feel like I'm waxing you, Lucy.
Here.
Paola, do I take the tape off
and leave the?
Everything. Yes. Everything.
Nearly there.
You're doing very well.
Oh, no! This is a right sticky one.
As part of her MCA training,
Emma must be able to remove
the cannula on her own.
And you put this over here?
Yeah, and pull at the same time
with your other hand.
That's it, perfect.
And you just pull it.
Make sure I get it right.
Well done!
So sorry.
She's like,
"That was worse than delivering!"
Well done, Emma.
It's a very simple process,
yet I panicked.
That was really sticky.
THEY LAUGH Sorry!
Tape gets stuck to the glove, and
then you get stuck to the tape,
and
I mean, it wasn't
It's not very smooth.
Oh, I feel like I've hurt you!
I need to get better.
Must do better.
Oh, you're so little, aren't you?
You're so awake, as well!
Oh, sausage.
He's like, "You're not my mum!"
SHE SIGHS
SHE COOS
No, he well hungry.
Your poor nipples!
Sweetheart, I want to cuddle you
for hours,
but I'm not going to let you cry!
Go to Mummy.
Another part of Emma's role is to
provide breast-feeding support.
Is he on?
No.
Bring him that way
a little bit more.
I know it feels really weird,
but you want his nose
to be at your nipple,
and then open.
To be able to help another woman
with breast-feeding support,
and do it well when I couldn't
really do it myself,
feels humungous, because
I had struggled so much with it.
Oh, look! He's going great guns.
On average, there are 12 babies born
on the maternity units
in any 24-hour period.
Yesterday, 21 babies were born.
Absolute mayhem! It was so busy.
Midwife Nagmeh is a labour ward
coordinator, and works nights.
I've been in this trust
for 39 years.
Good luck!
I'm from Iran. We had to relocate
to UK in 1978.
You, look at me.
You will come to me. Lovely.
There was no other options
for me at that time,
apart from doing my nursing,
so I done my nursing,
done my midwifery,
and never looked back.
Did you get my message?
Delivering babies is very addictive.
Being kind to people and caring
towards people is addictive,
and literally your hands are itching
to get that pair of gloves on,
and, you know, deliver a baby.
Waiting game.
It is a waiting game.
Deep breaths.
Beth and her partner Chloe
have returned for her induction.
The team are going to stimulate
her labour early
due to complications.
Another contraction done.
Beth has preeclampsia and lupus,
potentially dangerous
to both mum and baby.
Hello! Hi. My name is Nagmeh.
I've taken over your care
to look after you.
How are you feeling, darling?
Not too bad.
A senior midwife of nearly
40 years' experience,
Nagmeh specialises
in complex cases.
So really, plan would be that I
would be examining you down below
to see what you're doing, and
start off their hormone drip
at the back of your hand.
Is that all right with you?
Just taken your breath away,
this one.
Yeah.
Lovely. Is that OK,
if I get my bits together?
Yes.
Perfect. Thank you.
My hair's a mess.
Nagmeh will regularly update
the doctor as to
how Beth's body is coping.
This lady, her past medical history,
she has got systemic lupus.
34 weeks, started having PET,
and massive protein urea.
I love high-risk, because majority
of your work in your brain
is to manage what is happening,
and also to anticipate
what is to come.
I've taken PET bloods,
sent them off.
She's on a CTG contracting roughly
about one in ten, one in eight.
OK, good.
Lovely.
Beth is doing well,
but the team are braced
for all possible outcomes.
So your drip has started.
So at the moment, it's a little bit
of a wait and see.
Just keep everything crossed
that we don't have any gyp
with your blood pressure.
We've never had one who stayed
in there forever, you know.
And certainly this young man is not
going to be the first.
Midwife Nagmeh is looking after
Beth,
who has now been in labour
for 24 hours,
and partner Chloe
has been with her all the way.
Beth, I have just checked
your blood results again.
Your haemoglobin level
is quite low.
Beth has lupus, and her low
blood count is a symptom.
Are you OK at the moment, Beth?
It means she's at greater risk
of complications from bleeding
after the birth.
May I pop a couple of fingers gently
inside to examine you, sweetheart?
You are fully dilated, my darling.
Time to vacate the premises.
Is there pain there?
Could you put your arms under your
thighs for me, please?
Take a big breath in for me.
Hold on to it, chin on your chest,
and push down to your bottom,
so you're pushing towards
the mattress.
Ow!
Think waist down. You know
when you go to the toilet
to do a poo? It's the same feeling.
Now, big pushes.
That's it! And again.
I can't.
Yes, you can.
No negativity in this room.
Come on.
Oh!
Harder, harder, harder, harder.
You can do this,
and you know you can.
Push! Push, push, push, push, push,
push, push, push, push, push, push.
That is the one!
Come down here, darling.
And again. Push for me.
Go on.
I can't, I can't.
Yes, you can. No, listen. I want to
show Chloe your baby's head.
I'm here.
OK, don't panic. Give me a push.
Let Chloe see your baby's head,
darling.
That's your baby's head, Chloe.
Can you see? It is so close!
You're so close, baby.
Give me a push. Don't be scared.
I can't
He's right there.
He's literally right there.
Your baby's as happy as Larry.
I'm scared.
Don't be scared.
You are amazing.
How many more pushes?
To tell you the truth,
good pushes, not more than
about three or four.
Push! Don't be frightened.
Oh! And again.
Come on, don't be frightened.
The head is nearly out. Push.
Oh!
His head is right there.
You're literally about to
push his head out.
That's it. Keep going, keep going,
keep going, keep going, keep going.
That's it, keep going.
After nearly two hours of pushing,
Beth's baby is born,
but there's a problem.
You cheeky chops!
Baby's head's out.
Three loops of cord around the neck.
Oh, my God, you cheeky chops.
Hold on a minute, hold on a minute.
NAGMEH CHUCKLES
Oh, dear, oh, dear!
One Four loops. Two, three, four,
and five.
There you go, my lovely!
That's it.
Do you want to move your dress,
darling?
Put baby directly to your skin here.
Congratulations!
BABY GURGLES
The hard work is not over.
The placenta still needs to be
delivered.
Beth is at high risk of bleeding,
so Nagmeh is prepared.
Once the placenta comes out,
I'm going to start that drip.
Something warm
coming between your legs.
Perfect.
I can feel something leaking.
Yeah, it's blood.
Sorry, can I get?
I've just pulled the buzzer,
OK, darling?
Ah!
I know, I know.
What's the problem?
Don't panic.
There is a lot of people
coming in here. You OK, darling?
Oh!
I know, I know, I know.
I have got to rub up your womb.
Beth is haemorrhaging,
which could be life-threatening.
Be careful with the floor.
29,
I've pulled the emergency buzzer.
Could I have the big light on,
please? Thank you.
Can I have an Instillagel, please?
She has got a HP of 97.
I have started the syntocinon
on already 40 units.
You remember I told you there is
a possibility of you bleeding?
That's fine. That's all of it.
Blood clots expelled 08.33.
Can I have another enco,
my lovely, please?
Can I have ten units of
syntocinon from there, please?
All right, my darling? OK.
All right? It's just, you know,
I said to you because your
haemoglobin is low.
Beth, sweetheart, going to get
these legs to come up again.
Perfect. Right, getting there.
Beth's uterus isn't contracting.
She needs bimanual compression.
Nagmeh is going to try and contract
her uterus by applying pressure.
This is blood coming down here.
This is their best chance
of stopping the blood loss.
Bimanual compression.
Oh!
8.35.
Ow!
Right, so your bleeding seems to
have settled, OK?
So what we're going to do
is put some stitches in.
The team's efforts have worked.
The bleeding has stopped,
and Beth is out of danger.
We are good. Lovely. Thank you.
Blood pressure is reading
All right, love, thank you.
Well done. Thank you very much.
All right?
Right. Claire, darling
I always feel overwhelmed
with the responsibility,
because the mother has put her life
and her child's life in your hands.
Beth, you are absolutely amazing.
You are a hero. Well done.
He's lovely!
You going to come see your mummy?
It was really horrible,
because obviously I didn't know
what was going on.
There you go. Face Mummy!
And I didn't know how much blood
she was losing,
what would have happened.
I felt massively helpless.
You know that's Mummy, don't you?
I'm really proud of Beth.
Like, really proud.
Yeah. She really is strong.
It's a bit overwhelming.
But, yeah, I'm glad he's here.
They can now introduce the baby
to older brother Isaac.
You have a big brother
that wants to meet you.
He just wanted to come out,
so he came out.
Say hello, Isaac.
Last year, TV presenter and
mother-of-three Emma Willis
spent ten weeks working
on the front line
of the Princess Alexandra Hospital's
maternity unit.
Well done!
It's something I've always,
always wanted to do.
Thank you for letting me live it.
Now, Emma is returning to finish
her training
Really got hooked with this,
haven't you?
Yeah!
I love it! I love it.
..to become a fully-qualified
maternity care assistant
that could work in any hospital
in the country.
I feel like there's so much
to learn.
She'll be more independent
Ah!
You're one of us!
It's real!
..across high-risk wards
BABY CRIES
..and in theatre
Hello!
Just got a bit broody for a second
then.
..supporting a dedicated team
of midwives
That's it, that's really good.
Keep that going, keep that going.
Push it away!
Push it away.
Push, push, push, push, push.
That's the one, that's the one.
..Emma will share the pressures
PA: please go to labour ward
theatre.
..the fears
I'm scared!
..and the joys
You're going to have a baby.
Oh! I love you already.
..of helping to bring new life
Congratulations.
..into the world.
Oh, my God!
I'm going to be a wreck
by the end of this.
All right, then, Wendy. Thanks,
love. Cheers. See you then. Bye.
It's 7.30 in the morning
Morning! You OK?
..and Emma is starting
another eight-hour shift
at the Princess Alexandra Hospital's
maternity department.
Hi, Dr Ali!
Emma is one of 60 maternity care
assistants who work in the unit,
and this is her second week back.
All the things that I thought were
simple, I'm like,
"There's not a bag on it!
What colour bag needs to go on it?"
I do want to be taken seriously
as a maternity care assistant.
I want to do it
because I genuinely love it,
and I want to be in that world,
and kind of be able to
..carry myself without having to
rely on other people
in that environment, so it means
a massive, massive amount to me.
So far, Emma has been refreshing
her skills.
Two sheets, one blanket,
and a pillow case.
But over the coming weeks,
she'll be tested in all aspects
of the role.
Emma is aiming to pass
her care certificate
and become a fully qualified MCA.
Hello, Emma.
How are you?
I'm good, thank you. You?
Yeah, you know, good.
Little bit apprehensive again.
You remember Mary?
Yes.
Mary and midwife Mandy will be
overseeing Emma's progress
for the next 15 weeks.
So it's lovely to have you back,
but now this time,
you're going to be with us
for a bit longer. Yeah.
So we want to put some more training
into place so that
you know that you are confident
and competent Yeah.
..in the role that you're
going to be taking on.
So that's why Mary's come to talk
to you about the extra elements
that you'll need to take on as part
of your care certificate. OK.
The care certificate's
made up of 15 units,
and the expectation is that
you would complete all those parts
by the time you complete
your time here.
Yeah. Yeah.
It's a lot of work. There's parts of
it that you'll do practically,
but there's an awful lot of written.
OK. OK?
Mentally, I know what to do,
but trying to write something down
is where I go
I understand it in my head,
and I can do it,
and show you that I can do it, but
explaining it on a piece of paper
might be what I find tricky
SHE SQUEALS
Information overload!
It's made me feel positive about
me being fully able to fly solo.
I don't know what this is.
But it's also made me
absolutely terrified,
because I was never good at exams.
It's such important stuff.
It's like real life,
not pretend telly life,
so you don't want to do it wrong.
And I feel like I've had this
pretend life for a long time,
and now someone's actually asking
me to be a grown-up with something.
And I mean, I wish I hadn't
come in today!
20% of births at the
Princess Alexandra Hospital
take place on the birthing unit.
It's where low-risk pregnancies
are admitted.
Art director Sara and her husband
Jake arrived at the hospital
an hour ago.
They've been together eight years.
We met at sixth form.
Dunno, she was just good-looking.
I mean, that's how it all starts,
really, innit?
Last year, we got married
in Majorca.
It was in the mountains.
We had about 100 people come over.
It was just a really great day.
Exactly nine months on, Sara is
in the early stages of labour.
So we think it might be
a wedding night baby.
All right?
Yeah.
It is our first.
And, yeah, just nervous for it,
really. Excited, but nervous.
Before Emma's shift on the
birthing unit comes to an end,
she's making her final rounds.
How you getting on? Fine, yeah,
just trying to breathe through it.
Yeah. Odd!
And it's all going well so far?
I think so. Well, you're in
birthing unit, which is a good sign.
Yeah. It just feels like,
because he's rubbish at massage.
That's what you should have been
doing for the last nine months,
is learning massage.
Yeah, I should have gone to a class.
For this very moment!
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine, yeah.
Can't really do anything.
Just holding my hand, which is good.
You want to be able to do as much
as you can, don't you?
But the kind of power
is out of your control.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And then she's just in pain, so
And there's nothing you do
about that either. No.
Wish men could go through this.
Men don't.
No!
Sara and Jack are very cute.
They have that kind of first-time
parent look on their faces.
She's super focused,
bouncing on a ball.
She's very in the zone, and he
..looks absolutely terrified!
It was so sweet, because he's just
sat in a chair opposite her,
holding her hands, like,
moving like this with her.
I think, "Bet you're going to be
doing that for hours".
So is there anything else
you need? No. You sure? Yeah.
Do you need anything?
No, I'm fine, thank you.
Well, just give a shout or buzz
if you need anything.
Cool. Thank you very much.
See you later. Bye!
There's something about that
first time that is really beautiful
to watch.
But he does look like a little lamb,
though.
Like that.
Pass me the water, please.
Thanks.
I didn't think
it would take this long.
Sara has now been contracting
for over 22 hours,
but her labour isn't progressing.
Just ready for it to come out now.
The midwife who will be taking
over her care is Nagmeh,
one of the longest-serving members
of staff.
Though I have delivered
well over 1,000,
I still There's not a baby
I deliver that I don't think,
"Oh, my God".
And it's the reaction of the family
is what it gets you here.
As Sara is only two centimetres
dilated,
Nagmeh is going to help progress
labour by breaking her waters.
There we go.
A nice happy baby there.
Thank you. Really, we just have got
to get on with breaking your waters.
You're happy with that?
Yeah. Lovely.
It will be a little bit
uncomfortable.
Warm fluid coming
between your legs.
Can you feel that? Yeah? OK.
It's usually a straightforward
procedure,
but Nagmeh has seen something
worrying.
Sara, baby has done a poo
inside you.
Has it? Yeah. The fluid is what
we call a meconium-stained liquor.
Baby has passed meconium there.
We need to transfer you to the
labour ward, and also we need to
keep you continuously on the monitor
until your baby's born.
The baby has opened its bowels
in the uterus,
which can be a sign it's distressed.
Once you've got meconium,
you have to up the game, in a way.
If it is in correlation
with the baby's heart rate
monitoring changing, or mother's
condition is changing,
that is very, very dangerous.
Very dangerous.
Then it would be imperative
to deliver that baby.
Are you OK?
Yes.
Sara is being transferred
to the labour ward
because she is now high risk.
Sara.
SARA CRIES
Come here, come here, my lovely.
I know you're tired,
and you're in a lot of pain.
The longer the labour goes on,
the greater the risk of infection
to the baby.
Breathe, it darling, breathe it.
SARA GROANS
Breathe it.
You have been beautifully
positive,
and that way we are going to go.
Are you with me, Sara?
Yes. Yes, good girl.
SARA BREATHES HEAVILY
Good girl. Big, long breaths.
Sara has been in labour
for 36 hours.
She's being closely monitored
after her baby
opened its bowels in the uterus.
Can I have some water?
Husband Jake has been by her side
throughout.
Go on, keep going.
A new midwife team have taken over.
I'd like to put your legs up
in the stirrups.
I know it's not very comfortable,
but it really does help.
I want you pulling back
on your legs,
cos we've got to business now.
Yeah. Yeah?
Sara has been pushing
for an hour and a half.
Here we go, ready?
The midwife team can see signs that
she's ready to give birth.
Change your breath. Well done.
JAKE: Doing really well.
Keep going, keep going, keep going.
Don't push again.
Just let that leg go.
That's it. Good girl. Bit more.
Bit more, Sara. Keep going.
Brilliant. Good, good.
Now, take a big breath.
And go again.
Big push! Big push.
Concentrate. Excellent.
Keep going, keep going, keep going.
Well done. That's it.
Keep it coming.
See we've got a head now.
We've got a head now, that's good.
Good.
Good girl.
That's it. Keep going, keep going.
Keep going.
Come on, Sara, bit more.
More, more, more.
That's it!
That's it.
Keep going, keep going, keep going.
Go on, girl, you can do this.
Keep going, keep going, keep
going, keep going, keep going.
Bit more, my darling.
So with the next one, I'm going to
just give you a little cup.
Put my fingers there ready, OK?
Midwife Claire performs
an episiotomy,
a small cut to help make space
for the baby to come out.
Big push.
Keep going, keep going, keep going.
And we've got the head.
Yes, please.
So with the next big push, you've
still got a contraction, right?
Give me a big push. Come on.
That's wonderful, well done.
Yes, excellent.
We have a baby!
SARA: Oh!
There we are.
Well done, well done, well done.
Congratulations.
What have you got?
Girl.
Congratulations.
You did so well. So well.
You're a big girl!
I'm so proud of you, babe.
Congratulations.
We've got to look after that
for the rest of our lives.
Yeah!
BABY CRIES
Even though she was exhausted,
she didn't seem to lose
that will to push.
Some women just can't do it
any more.
And that's when it's so important
to encourage and maybe
talk a little bit about the baby.
That's when the sort of cheerleading
comes in,
that you're just trying to get
that last little bit of energy
when they're exhausted.
Lovely!
Thank you so much.
You're welcome. You did so well,
Sara. Your pushing was outstanding,
really, considering all them hours
you'd been in labour.
You did absolutely brilliantly.
Just pleased it's over,
and pleased Sara's out of pain.
Feel a bit knackered, though,
and I haven't even done anything.
You look amazing!
Shall I take that linen bag out?
Yes, please.
The hospital carries out 12
elective caesareans each week,
and today, Emma is helping to
prep a theatre ahead of a birth.
Like all the other MCAs
Can't remember where I've done now,
and where I haven't.
..assisting in theatre is another
area that Emma will have to master.
Two? This way.
You would have definitely
clunked your head, wouldn't you?
Emma is being shown what's expected
of her by experienced MCA Hayley.
If any swabs accidentally got lost
inside, or they were stuck inside,
if you went upstairs for an X-ray,
they would then show up
to say where they were.
Yeah.
Theatre MCAs count the surgical
instruments to make sure
they are all accounted for
at the end of surgery.
Ready?
Yeah.
Ramsays toothed and non-toothed?
One, two.
BP handles?
One, two.
Spencers?
One, two, three, four, five, six,
seven, eight.
Lovely. Thank you very much.
Obviously, during surgery, if they
ask for any extra,
then I'd cross the four
and put five.
So it's never just plus one,
you always put however many. Yeah.
In the coming weeks, Emma will be
expected to perform this role
on her own.
They've given us a large set
instead of the small,
so we've got large swabs
and abdo packs,
not small swabs and abdo packs.
OK.
I want to feel confident enough
to know my way around a theatre.
So if somebody says to me,
"Emma, can you do this?",
I can say,
"Yes, I can absolutely do that".
Where does that go?
Stick that on there, that's fine.
And then that one.
But it is still something that feels
really daunting
because it's such a huge thing.
You know, there's a lot of things
to learn.
There's a lot of different
equipment
That's it.
That's it.
..and it has to go smoothly,
because it's an operation.
You can't be the one to balls it up.
Do you want to put it on there?
Don't want to mess it up.
You won't, just don't touch
anything
Just pull that apart and tip it out
on top.
On top of it anywhere?
Yeah.
Emma and the theatre team
are preparing for an elective
caesarean section.
The couple in question are Mark
and Lucy,
who were having their second baby.
Hello, how are you?
I'm Emma, nice to meet you.
Hello, I'm Lucy.
Yes. We are ready, yes.
Do you want me to take your coat or
anything? No, honestly.
You sure? I don't mind.
Hello. Emma. Nice to meet you.
All right? Yeah, good.
Bit different from the last time.
Really?
A lot different.
Right. The section?
Yes, emergency.
Oh. Slightly different.
Yeah, slightly different.
You've got some scrubs.
OK, brilliant.
Which it sounds like
you're used to wearing. Yeah!
And your gown.
Could you pop your gown on?
Yeah.
Front to back, tie at the back.
OK. Brilliant.
You OK?
Yes, fine.
Great. We'll see you in there.
The couple have been together
since their first date
eight years ago.
Something just clicked.
It was there, it was chemistry.
It felt different.
A year and a half later,
got married,
and then had our first child,
Isabel.
She's three now.
Lucy had an emergency section
with her first child,
so with baby number two,
they have opted for an elective
straight away.
So, about to go in.
I think everyone's nervous
when it comes to things like this.
Just stand here for a moment.
OK.
Little bit butterflies
in your stomach.
And then once we've got mum sorted,
we'll get you nice and close
and tucked in.
Yeah, OK. Yeah.
It's going to be a lot better
this time, hopefully.
Fingers crossed.
We're going to say we're going
to talk you through every step, OK?
With Lucy all prepped, a spinal
anaesthetic is administered
to numb the pain of the operation.
The added bonus is
we don't actually know
what we're having, so that adds
a little bit more excitement to it.
You all right?
Do you want me to take her leg?
I don't mind,
just don't want to get in your way.
No, no, you're all right.
Not in my way.
Before making the incision
to deliver the baby,
the surgeon cuts away at the scar
from Lucy's first caesarean.
I just find it fascinating
..and incredible.
With the scar removed, the surgeons
must cut through seven layers
of tissue to reach the baby.
Yeah. Oh, I'm ready.
And, less than ten minutes
after the first incision
Well done!
BABY CRIES
..the couple already have
a little girl.
It's down to Dad to announce
the gender
of their newest addition.
Lucy, we've got a little boy.
Little boy! Little boy.
Do you want to cut the cord?
Yeah, please.
Here we go. Right, I want you to cut
on this side of the cord.
There? Bit closer.
Just there? Perfect.
Keep chomping. It's very chompy.
Well done!
Got a good set of lungs on him.
So what we're going to do,
pop his hat on Yeah.
..and then get him back to Mummy.
We've got a baby here!
Congratulations.
It's nice to have a boy.
It was all very lovely as baby came
up, and Dad was like, "It's a boy!"
Oh! So nice.
I need to double check this boy.
No, it's definitely a boy, 100%.
It's really special to be
part of this whole process,
you know, that women are welcoming
you into the most kind of
private and intimate moment
of their life
Superb. Cheers. Thanks a lot.
..and it still kind of
blows my mind.
He's having a little look around.
He's saying, "Hello, world".
To see the whole cycle happen is
I mean, it's the most beautiful
thing on the planet.
Look at my little boy.
This potentially looks like
maternal.
Some pregnancies are more
complicated than others.
At the Princess Alexandra Hospital,
they monitor high-risk mums-to-be
in their antenatal unit.
I want to do lots!
Everything's stopped.
It's the start of a new
shift for Emma
Do you want to go and
do these bloods? Yeah.
..and like the other MCAs,
it's her role to check the lady's
vital signs every four hours.
We're going to do ten o'clock obs,
but there's a lady called Bethany
that needs manual.
I'm OK with this.
I'm OK with actually doing
manual blood pressure,
I'm just not very good at
finding the equipment,
or knowing where it is.
First-time mum Beth
is not yet full term.
She and partner Chloe have come in
due to Beth's high blood pressure.
Hi, Bethany. You OK?
Getting there, yeah. Yeah? Are
you all right to do your obs?
Yeah, that's fine.
And you need manual blood pressure,
right?
Now you are testing my skills.
It's the one thing
that I can't do whilst talking.
Chloe has a son
from a previous relationship.
She and Beth met on a dating app.
She's a shy person, so we was
talking for about a month
before we actually met. And then,
since then, we've been inseparable.
Our first date was actually
at her sister's house.
I met her whole family
on our first date.
We'd only been together
about five months
when we decided to have a child
together.
144 over 72.
We looked at donors and
going through the clinic,
and it just worked out
very expensive.
Let me write it down
before I put it in.
So we found this website
where we could meet a donor
and not pay the high massive
expenses for it.
And she's now having our little boy.
Beth is likely to be induced
because she has numerous conditions
that are making her pregnancy
difficult.
And what brought you in?
Dizziness, headaches.
Yeah.
And a one point, they thought
she had a blood clot in the brain.
So you're kind of thinking,
"Oh, my God".
Early signs of preeclampsia.
Got lupus as well.
Oh, you've got lupus. Right, OK.
What is lupus?
My immune system's overactive.
Right.
So it starts attacking
different areas of my body.
And when did you find out
you had preeclampsia?
A few days ago. Four days ago.
Yeah. The symptoms started about
four or five weeks ago, though.
So they said they'd
keep an eye on it. Mm.
And the plan is? Do you know,
is there a plan in place?
Inducing. So you just have to kind
of wait and see, don't you,
what happens?
Which is probably the last thing
you want to do.
So if you have a pre-existing
condition, and pregnancy,
and then preeclampsia, that is just
a whole brain full of worry.
I'd just be
..worrying beyond all belief.
Great.
I hope that they remain happy,
healthy and safe
until she's meant to have her
induction.
Do you know what you're having?
A boy.
Every time she sits up,
you can see his body,
and his bum sticking out.
Really?
Well, good luck.
And buzz if you need anything.
OK.
See you in a bit.
MCAs can be moved from ward to ward
over the course of any shift
I might just carry it in my hands.
..and Emma is now helping with
post-natal care.
There are so many codes.
I know!
She's preparing to remove a cannula,
the tube that supplies medicine
direct to the vein.
Do I need a sharp spin, or not?
Yeah. Yeah?
She's being supervised by midwife
Paola, originally from Spain.
She has over 25 years' experience.
So you remember everything?
Well, it's all coming back to me,
slowly.
I haven't done this yet
since I've been back,
so you don't want to do it wrong,
do you?
So I'd rather have somebody with me.
24 hours ago, Lucy and Mark's baby
Oliver was born
by Caesarean section, and Emma
assisted the team during the birth.
Hey!
Look at this little one.
Oh! Hello!
Lucy, I've come to take out
your cannula.
Is that all right?
Yes. Yeah? Yes. Great.
Oh!
I feel I know you so well after
seeing them stitch you up yesterday.
Right, OK.
BABY CRIES Sorry.
I feel like I'm waxing you, Lucy.
Here.
Paola, do I take the tape off
and leave the?
Everything. Yes. Everything.
Nearly there.
You're doing very well.
Oh, no! This is a right sticky one.
As part of her MCA training,
Emma must be able to remove
the cannula on her own.
And you put this over here?
Yeah, and pull at the same time
with your other hand.
That's it, perfect.
And you just pull it.
Make sure I get it right.
Well done!
So sorry.
She's like,
"That was worse than delivering!"
Well done, Emma.
It's a very simple process,
yet I panicked.
That was really sticky.
THEY LAUGH Sorry!
Tape gets stuck to the glove, and
then you get stuck to the tape,
and
I mean, it wasn't
It's not very smooth.
Oh, I feel like I've hurt you!
I need to get better.
Must do better.
Oh, you're so little, aren't you?
You're so awake, as well!
Oh, sausage.
He's like, "You're not my mum!"
SHE SIGHS
SHE COOS
No, he well hungry.
Your poor nipples!
Sweetheart, I want to cuddle you
for hours,
but I'm not going to let you cry!
Go to Mummy.
Another part of Emma's role is to
provide breast-feeding support.
Is he on?
No.
Bring him that way
a little bit more.
I know it feels really weird,
but you want his nose
to be at your nipple,
and then open.
To be able to help another woman
with breast-feeding support,
and do it well when I couldn't
really do it myself,
feels humungous, because
I had struggled so much with it.
Oh, look! He's going great guns.
On average, there are 12 babies born
on the maternity units
in any 24-hour period.
Yesterday, 21 babies were born.
Absolute mayhem! It was so busy.
Midwife Nagmeh is a labour ward
coordinator, and works nights.
I've been in this trust
for 39 years.
Good luck!
I'm from Iran. We had to relocate
to UK in 1978.
You, look at me.
You will come to me. Lovely.
There was no other options
for me at that time,
apart from doing my nursing,
so I done my nursing,
done my midwifery,
and never looked back.
Did you get my message?
Delivering babies is very addictive.
Being kind to people and caring
towards people is addictive,
and literally your hands are itching
to get that pair of gloves on,
and, you know, deliver a baby.
Waiting game.
It is a waiting game.
Deep breaths.
Beth and her partner Chloe
have returned for her induction.
The team are going to stimulate
her labour early
due to complications.
Another contraction done.
Beth has preeclampsia and lupus,
potentially dangerous
to both mum and baby.
Hello! Hi. My name is Nagmeh.
I've taken over your care
to look after you.
How are you feeling, darling?
Not too bad.
A senior midwife of nearly
40 years' experience,
Nagmeh specialises
in complex cases.
So really, plan would be that I
would be examining you down below
to see what you're doing, and
start off their hormone drip
at the back of your hand.
Is that all right with you?
Just taken your breath away,
this one.
Yeah.
Lovely. Is that OK,
if I get my bits together?
Yes.
Perfect. Thank you.
My hair's a mess.
Nagmeh will regularly update
the doctor as to
how Beth's body is coping.
This lady, her past medical history,
she has got systemic lupus.
34 weeks, started having PET,
and massive protein urea.
I love high-risk, because majority
of your work in your brain
is to manage what is happening,
and also to anticipate
what is to come.
I've taken PET bloods,
sent them off.
She's on a CTG contracting roughly
about one in ten, one in eight.
OK, good.
Lovely.
Beth is doing well,
but the team are braced
for all possible outcomes.
So your drip has started.
So at the moment, it's a little bit
of a wait and see.
Just keep everything crossed
that we don't have any gyp
with your blood pressure.
We've never had one who stayed
in there forever, you know.
And certainly this young man is not
going to be the first.
Midwife Nagmeh is looking after
Beth,
who has now been in labour
for 24 hours,
and partner Chloe
has been with her all the way.
Beth, I have just checked
your blood results again.
Your haemoglobin level
is quite low.
Beth has lupus, and her low
blood count is a symptom.
Are you OK at the moment, Beth?
It means she's at greater risk
of complications from bleeding
after the birth.
May I pop a couple of fingers gently
inside to examine you, sweetheart?
You are fully dilated, my darling.
Time to vacate the premises.
Is there pain there?
Could you put your arms under your
thighs for me, please?
Take a big breath in for me.
Hold on to it, chin on your chest,
and push down to your bottom,
so you're pushing towards
the mattress.
Ow!
Think waist down. You know
when you go to the toilet
to do a poo? It's the same feeling.
Now, big pushes.
That's it! And again.
I can't.
Yes, you can.
No negativity in this room.
Come on.
Oh!
Harder, harder, harder, harder.
You can do this,
and you know you can.
Push! Push, push, push, push, push,
push, push, push, push, push, push.
That is the one!
Come down here, darling.
And again. Push for me.
Go on.
I can't, I can't.
Yes, you can. No, listen. I want to
show Chloe your baby's head.
I'm here.
OK, don't panic. Give me a push.
Let Chloe see your baby's head,
darling.
That's your baby's head, Chloe.
Can you see? It is so close!
You're so close, baby.
Give me a push. Don't be scared.
I can't
He's right there.
He's literally right there.
Your baby's as happy as Larry.
I'm scared.
Don't be scared.
You are amazing.
How many more pushes?
To tell you the truth,
good pushes, not more than
about three or four.
Push! Don't be frightened.
Oh! And again.
Come on, don't be frightened.
The head is nearly out. Push.
Oh!
His head is right there.
You're literally about to
push his head out.
That's it. Keep going, keep going,
keep going, keep going, keep going.
That's it, keep going.
After nearly two hours of pushing,
Beth's baby is born,
but there's a problem.
You cheeky chops!
Baby's head's out.
Three loops of cord around the neck.
Oh, my God, you cheeky chops.
Hold on a minute, hold on a minute.
NAGMEH CHUCKLES
Oh, dear, oh, dear!
One Four loops. Two, three, four,
and five.
There you go, my lovely!
That's it.
Do you want to move your dress,
darling?
Put baby directly to your skin here.
Congratulations!
BABY GURGLES
The hard work is not over.
The placenta still needs to be
delivered.
Beth is at high risk of bleeding,
so Nagmeh is prepared.
Once the placenta comes out,
I'm going to start that drip.
Something warm
coming between your legs.
Perfect.
I can feel something leaking.
Yeah, it's blood.
Sorry, can I get?
I've just pulled the buzzer,
OK, darling?
Ah!
I know, I know.
What's the problem?
Don't panic.
There is a lot of people
coming in here. You OK, darling?
Oh!
I know, I know, I know.
I have got to rub up your womb.
Beth is haemorrhaging,
which could be life-threatening.
Be careful with the floor.
29,
I've pulled the emergency buzzer.
Could I have the big light on,
please? Thank you.
Can I have an Instillagel, please?
She has got a HP of 97.
I have started the syntocinon
on already 40 units.
You remember I told you there is
a possibility of you bleeding?
That's fine. That's all of it.
Blood clots expelled 08.33.
Can I have another enco,
my lovely, please?
Can I have ten units of
syntocinon from there, please?
All right, my darling? OK.
All right? It's just, you know,
I said to you because your
haemoglobin is low.
Beth, sweetheart, going to get
these legs to come up again.
Perfect. Right, getting there.
Beth's uterus isn't contracting.
She needs bimanual compression.
Nagmeh is going to try and contract
her uterus by applying pressure.
This is blood coming down here.
This is their best chance
of stopping the blood loss.
Bimanual compression.
Oh!
8.35.
Ow!
Right, so your bleeding seems to
have settled, OK?
So what we're going to do
is put some stitches in.
The team's efforts have worked.
The bleeding has stopped,
and Beth is out of danger.
We are good. Lovely. Thank you.
Blood pressure is reading
All right, love, thank you.
Well done. Thank you very much.
All right?
Right. Claire, darling
I always feel overwhelmed
with the responsibility,
because the mother has put her life
and her child's life in your hands.
Beth, you are absolutely amazing.
You are a hero. Well done.
He's lovely!
You going to come see your mummy?
It was really horrible,
because obviously I didn't know
what was going on.
There you go. Face Mummy!
And I didn't know how much blood
she was losing,
what would have happened.
I felt massively helpless.
You know that's Mummy, don't you?
I'm really proud of Beth.
Like, really proud.
Yeah. She really is strong.
It's a bit overwhelming.
But, yeah, I'm glad he's here.
They can now introduce the baby
to older brother Isaac.
You have a big brother
that wants to meet you.
He just wanted to come out,
so he came out.
Say hello, Isaac.