Call the Midwife

The Real Sisters & Midwives of Poplar

by Michelle Collins | April 21, 2026

Sometimes as the viewer we forget that we are watching a series based on THE actual work of an Order of Sisters in the East End of London.

Words Matter

by Michelle Collins | April 14, 2026

My guess is that most viewers of this episode had never heard the word lithopedion prior to watching. The term comes from the Ancient Greek meaning “stone” and “small child.”

Promise.

by Michelle Collins | April 07, 2026

In the opening monologue, the voice of Jennifer Worth (Vanessa Redgrave) recites that the word “promise” is a “noun, a verb, and a virtue. I thought about those words as I reflected on this episode.

The Maternal-Child Healthcare System

by Michelle Collins | March 31, 2026

We could take more than a few pointers from our friends across the pond on what maternity care should look like.

Secondary Trauma and Healthcare Providers

by Michelle Collins | March 24, 2026

Secondary trauma is a common form of distress experienced by anyone who is witness to the trauma another person experiences. Those who work in the healthcare profession are particularly vulnerable.

Seeing Beauty Amidst the Flaws

by Michelle Collins | May 20, 2025

Reggie’s broken vase was repaired in the ancient art of Kintsugi, but it is much more than an art form. It is a life philosophy, recognizing that we are all broken at times in our lives.

Pregnancy and Addiction

by Michelle Collins | May 13, 2025

All too often there is no happy ending when addiction issues are involved. I estimate that most of you reading this have been touched in some way either by your own, or a loved one’s addiction issues.

When Things Go Wrong In Body, Mind, and Attitude

by Michelle Collins | May 07, 2025

Decades ago, women were encouraged to stay in bed for extended periods of time after birth. We now encourage them to be up and out of bed very soon after birth. Mrs. Midgley's case shows why.

Poverty and Pregnancy

by Michelle Collins | May 02, 2025

Poverty and pregnancy… two words that are too often unfortunately paired together. Add interpersonal violence to that equation, and it is a deadly triple threat.

Posts from Michelle Collins