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Modern Midwives Blog
Welcome back to Poplar! It’s February 1971, and spirits are beginning to soar with the first signs of winter’s thawing (even if spring is still a little ways away).
Some exciting news at Nonnatus House this week: after many months of studying, Sister Catherine has passed her midwifery exams and is finally certified as a fully-qualified midwife. Additionally, Reggie is back in Poplar, just in time to celebrate the U.K.’s implementation of the new monetary decimal system.
However, as is the case with the turning of every year, new obstacles and hurdles emerge on the horizon. Nevertheless, the Nonnatus House crew are up to each and every challenge thrown their way.
Read on to discover more.
This week, Nurse Crane stops by Ian Kingsley’s residence to ensure he’s up to date with his diabetes medication. However, soon after entering, Nurse Crane discovers the flat in a complete state of disarray — and even more concerningly, his four young children appear to be left to their own devices. Unfortunately, neither Mr. Kingsley nor his pregnant wife Edna seem to share in the nurse’s concern….
Afterward, Nurse Crane relays her observations to Dr. Turner, who quickly confirms that many of the Kingsley children are well overdue for their annual check-ups. As a precaution, both Dr. Turner and Nurse Crane agree to inform Social Services about the situation. In the meantime, Nonnatus House will set up a follow-up visit immediately to make sure the Kingsley children receive proper care.
Elsewhere in Poplar, Sister Catherine checks in on Thelma, a pregnant woman experiencing persistent nausea, or hyperemesis. And for mothers who are suffering from hyperemesis, there has been no available medication to take since the thalidomide scandal.
In Thelma’s case, the severity of her chronic symptoms have taken such a massive toll on her physical and mental health, she sometimes wishes there was no baby at all.
When Sister Catherine visits the soon-to-be mother a few days later, she discovers Thelma’s condition hasn’t improved. As a precaution, Sister Catherine insists on calling Dr. Turner to rule out the possibility of early labor. However, before she can do so, Thelma spontaneously gives birth while seated over the toilet.
At just 28 weeks old, Thelma’s baby is premature and in critical condition. Mustering up all her strength and calm, Sister Catherine wraps up the little one in a blanket and makes a dash to Dr. Turner’s office. Thanks to her valiant effort, Dr. Turner and Sister Julienne are able to revive the baby before sending him off to hospital via the Flying Squad.
Nevertheless, the events of the afternoon leave both Thelma and Sister Catherine shaken. Back at Nonnatus House, Sister Catherine opens up to Sister Monica Joan about the distressing ordeal — was there more she could’ve done? However, Sister Monica Joan, in all of her wisdom, reminds her young colleague that such unexpected emergencies come with the job. All she can do now is focus on supporting Thelma while she awaits medical updates.
Meanwhile, during a post-natal visit for her patient, Maxine, Rosalind discovers a political meeting in session… centered on the upcoming Women’s Liberation March. For these women, now more than ever is the time to demand equal pay, equal status!
Inspired by the meeting, Rosalind reports her findings to her colleagues at Nonnatus House. While most of the midwives are enthusiastic about the cause, there are a few skeptics — most notably, Nurse Crane. However, before making any definitive opinions on the matter, she agrees to attend the upcoming Women’s Liberation meeting to see what all the talk is about.
Following Nurse Crane’s disturbing drop-in at the Kingsley’s flat, Joyce hops on her bicycle to pay the family a visit. However, similar to her colleague’s experience, Joyce finds the children once again neglected and left to fend for themselves.
Outraged, Joyce takes matters into her own hands and brings the Kingsley children to the washing station, only to find it closed. With nowhere else to turn, Joyce leads the children to Nonnatus House, where Sister Veronica and Sister Monica Joan provide support.
However, not long after bathing and nourishing the kids, the Kingsley parents arrive at the front door of Nonnatus, demanding the return of their children. Although the midwives push back against the parents, there’s nothing they can do.
In a show of support for Thelma and her husband, Sister Catherine accompanies the couple to the hospital to see how their baby James is faring.
While everyone is relieved to see James receiving such attentive care, the sight of her child in an incubator is overwhelming for Thelma. Had she failed him? Was there more she could’ve done to prevent this situation from occurring? Thelma finds herself asking these questions aloud as her anxiety starts to take over. Sister Catherine tries to calm her, assuring Thelma that blame nor guilt has any role to play in this scenario — some things are truly out of one’s hands.
Nevertheless, Thelma is uncertain of what treatments to put James through. While the doctors recommend a tracheotomy, Thelma worries the procedure will be too invasive and whether it’s the best option if he could end up blind or severely disabled. In reality, so little is certain in the case of preemie babies.
As the situation with the Kingsley family continues to raise red flags, Social Services assigns Cyril to the case. His involvement, though, only sparks more agitation from the Kingsley parents, who both claim that the “system” let them down following the tragic death of their four-year-old son, Martyn.
However, as Cyril digs deeper into the details surrounding Martyn’s death, he discovers medical records indicating troubling signs… Martyn was likely a victim of neglect and physical abuse.
When Cyril goes to visit the Kingsley household again, he’s shaken to his core: lying unconscious on the pavement, surrounded by concerned bystanders, is Faye Kingsley. And looming above the scene of the accident — an open window.
Faye is rushed to the hospital, where she’s treated for a fractured femur, damaged collar bone, and concussion. Additionally, the doctors determine that Faye possessed “catastrophically low blood sugar” at the time of the accident from consuming prescription drugs.
Sister Veronica soon joins Cyril at the hospital. Both of them have difficulty wrapping their heads around the clear case of neglect and abuse, but shortly after, they join the police at the Kingsley residence. With a heavy heart, Sister Veronica helps guide the young children away while their parents are taken into custody.
Meanwhile, preparations are well underway for Poplar’s Women’s March!
Over at the Turner household, Shelagh, May, and Angela remind Dr. Turner and Timothy of the household chores to work on while they’re away. Similarly, at the Buckle residence, Violet finds herself delegating a list of household orders to Fred and Reggie, much to the men’s bafflement.
And, as it turns out, Poplar’s Women’s Liberation group has two new enthusiastic members: Nurse Crane and Miss Higgins!
During a hospital visit to check on James, Sister Catherine makes an unexpected connection with another mother, Bernice. Through their brief conversation, she learns that Bernice, similar to Thelma, is a mother of a 28-week-old preemie. After more than 14 months of in-hospital treatment, including bowel surgery and a tracheotomy, Bernice is finally bringing her baby Nina home.
Feeling inspired from their chat, Sister Catherine connects Thelma and Bernice. Upon seeing Bernice with her now healthy Nina, a glimmer of hope builds inside Thelma. Although the journey ahead may be a long one, Thelma can believe that James will have a wonderful life waiting for him on the side.
Meanwhile, the ever-poised Trixie pays a visit to Dr. Threapwood, the Chairman of the Board of Health. Considering the long-standing tensions between Nonnatus House and the Board, Trixie is prepared for unfavorable news — but nothing could prepare her for this.
According to Dr. Threapwood, all medical service provisions across the country will be taken out of Council hands by 1974, and given directly to the National Health Service. This means Nonnatus House would lose its ability to negotiate and threaten its independence within the system.
Trixie argues that a lot can change between now and 1974. However, Dr. Threapwood is confident that the new rules set forth will not fly with the Sisters of the Order. The most significant one? The wearing of religious habits will be outlawed.
Following her meeting, Trixie relays the shocking information to a stunned Sister Julienne. She reminds Trixie that she and all her Sisters have dressed in their habits since the inception of the Order — it is the embodiment of why they do what they do.
But Trixie pushes back: if Nonnatus House is to survive, everyone will have to become National Health Service employees, meaning they will have to dress in accordance with its rules… or leave the system.
Amidst the chaos and turbulence of the past week, Sister Veronica finds some time to sit down and reflect with her dear friend, Geoffrey. She opens up to him about a quiet struggle she’s been harboring for awhile. Deep down, she wonders if the religious life she leads is no longer for her anymore.
When Geoffrey asks what exactly she wants, the answer is clear and unwavering — Sister Veronica wants to become a mother. She longs for a child of her own to care for, love, and cherish before it becomes impossible.
But how will all of this play out? And will Sister Veronica muster up the courage to follow her wish?
The time has finally come, the moment is here! In an act of solidarity, the midwives join other Poplar women in the burning of their bras. Hand in hand, they take to the streets in the Poplar’s Women Liberation March.
It’s a sight for the ages, and hints at just the beginning of what’s to come for the Women’s Movement. Bring it on!
Forgot how we got here? Catch up on “Call the Midwife” with the Season 15 Holiday Special recap.
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