The Secret Midwife: Life, Death and the Truth About Birth

Very much worth a read, I enjoyed reading the different and raw experiences over the years as well as the highlighting of issues within the NHS. It was very much felt in my bad experience when giving birth that although brilliant the midwives are understaffed and over worked, even though I had a bad experience I was lucky that they did their best and my daughter was born safely (via c-section). Something needs to change, I hope this book is well recieved and goes towards making some sort of difference

This is an excellent, well written book describing the joys and pitfalls of being an NHS midwifeIt is indeed shocking though not surprising, that they are horrendously understaffed. It is surprising that in this day and age the hospital administrators of whom there appear to be far too many, have scant regard for their midwives and the extraordinarily important work they do. They should be supporting them to the hilt, have constant concern for their physical and mental welfare. This book made me angry for all these overworked staff.

I really enjoyed this book and the friendly character of the Secret Midwife really came across. I’m considering training to be a midwife after the amazing care I have received while having my three children and reading the stories in this book has really inspired me and made me feel grateful to the women who have helped me over the past few years.Yes, there was a typo or two but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the book, I’d definitely recommend it to a friend.

Good book

I loved every aspect of this book. Full of true tales of births , no sugar coating, just honest down to earth life and death stories. It had me crying one minute and laughing another. Also it gives a shocking insight to the stresses and strains in the NHS. Highly recommended .

Such an informative and interesting read. I enjoyed reading about the individuals and their circumstances but I also enjoyed following the life of the author as well as seeing how they changed over time. One of those easy to read, enjoyable books that amazes and shocks at the same time.

Should be mandatory reading for those hell bent on underfunding and eroding our NHS.Reading this book 4.5 weeks post partum with my tiny daughter on my chest an 6 year old son playing nearby has been an emotional and humbling experience.It is well written, raw, considered, eye opening and compassionate. It has helped me digest some of my own experiences and filled me with even more admiration and respect for those who supported me through my 5 pregnancies.To the author and her colleagues across the NHS on the front line my family and I will be forever grateful.

Pretty average medical memoir (with some spectacular proofreading errors). As the author explains, it seemed more of a narrative through a mental health crisis. I was also quite struck by how judgemental it seemed at times, describing patients as stupid idiots or doctors as stubborn.

Thoroughly engrossing true story written by a midwife employed by the NHS in the UK. The book is filled with descriptions of patients, births, and working conditions, which makes for a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down read. Written with total honesty, humor, and compassion, this book is an exceptional and unforgettable look into the life of a midwife. I highly recommend this author's work!

Get up close and personal with what really goes on in the day and life of a Midwife as she takes you through her trials and journey.

I could have done with a bit less whining about it. However wonderful stories and I did tremendously enjoy getting to know Pippa.

It was a good book. The end was a bit flat which is why I only gave it three stars. Not a bad book, but probably wouldn’t read it again.

This biography is raw, exciting and inspirational. You felt you were in the setting, watching the experiences as they unfolded. The bravery to talk about mental illness and bringing the staffing shortage, to the forefront resulting in a lower level of care is staggering. This is a great, eye opening read. Highly recommend