One Born Every Minute: Real Stories from the Delivery Room

by Maria Dore

ONE BORN EVERY MINUTE, Channel 4's Bafta-winning documentary series has been a critical and popular smash-hit. And in January 2012, we'll be back on the maternity ward for fourteen brand-new, thrilling episodes. In this wonderful book, midwives Maria Dore and Ros Bradbury look back over their careers and reveal the extraordinary experiences that fill every their working day - from first-time mums with unusual birth plans to overwhelmed dads who end up on the delivery room floor. And, of course, the beautiful babies who make it all worthwhile. Maria explains, 'To be part of anyone's birth experience is just the best. You never quite get over that miracle. Now updated to include the latest news of babies born during Series 2.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medical

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written and easy to read and abating to hear the stories of two midwives from the call the midwife series. They share their memories and includes about first time mums overwhelmed dads and heartbreaking cases to. It's so lovely to read that they both love their jobs and find it a real calling they recall it so well in this book wanted more.

[Apphia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy quick and intriguing read. This book followed the lives of two midwives and their individual journeys that brought them where they are ; seeing birth and loss as an outsider, an insider, the intricacies, the complications, the weight of the work, the joy of it and the stark reality. I learned quite a bit from this book and it surely re-instilled what I've always known for myself : I don't want to birth a child! :D

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic , tales from 2 midwives during their career's . this could scare pregnant / new moms and if you are broody then this can turn you off . some bits are comical . it has a bit of everything and can be read on its own or as well as watching the TV series .

[Shakira Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tedious. I normally like midwifery books that detail each birth and make me feel like I'm another person in the room. This was book was more general and I struggled to get through it.

[Joti Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good informative book on birth, pregnancy and with some anecdotal elements as well.

[Selina Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting book. Probably not the best time to read it while pregnant and I'll admit I skipped one chapter but gave some really interesting insights

[Shiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, wholesome and interesting read 📖🤰🏼👶🏼

[Rebecca Wright · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love watching and reading call the midwife, but this type of writing wasn't for me. I really wanted it to be more detailed. It was nice to read about the modern day, life as a midwife.

[Allison Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tedious. I normally like midwifery books that detail each birth and make me feel like I'm another person in the room. This was book was more general and I struggled to get through it.

[Naii · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to enjoy watching the series and was pleased to have the opportunity to read the book.

That being said, I found it quite a difficult read. It's not a genre I'm used to reading, and it was slow - in fact, so slow. I actually gave up before full completing the last couple of chapters.

It did give some interesting insights from the viewpoint of the two midwives through the eyes of the caregiver, but I can't say I enjoyed it, as much as I wanted to.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's nice to know that my area of the UK isn't the only one to suffer from cultural diversity.
I read this with a lot of understanding of the system but noted that the area I have worked in was the aftermath of the delivery room.

This book and it's authors only told of the better class of people that have been treated in their hospital. They didn't mention the women who haven't washed for weeks, the scabies and the other associated medical and mental problems that come with the package! They did touch on the families that also come as part of the package and what *fun and frolicks* they can bring.

No, the grim truth is that it's hard work, it's not rewarding. Patients and their families treat the experience like a 5* all inclusive, and nearly all of the time it's not at all tea and home made cake.

Nice book but a bit too nicey nicey. Tell it like it is and make it more realistic for the poor newly qualified midwives who haven't a bloody clue.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Born Every Minute can be read either as a companion to the tv series of the same name, or as a stand alone book. It is a compilation of musings and anecdotes from two midwifery professionals working in Southampton. I thought that it gave a very balanced insight in to midwifery, providing stories of both happy, healthy babies and of real life tragedies such as still births. The beauty of midwifery is that you don't need to embellish or exaggerate - this is human drama at its most emotional, and it is impossible not to get caught up in each of the book's anecdotes. An entertaining, interesting, and very touching book, I would recommend One Born Every Minute to any layman with a budding interest in midwifery.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love birth stories, so having loads in one book was most enjoyable. Apart from the tragedies, of course. I liked the anecdotes, the *interesting* birth plans and unexpected birth partners. I didn't watch the TV series as it didn't pique my interest until I was actually pregnant. I was then gently advised not to watch it.

These are snapshots of human life at a pivotal moment for all concerned. The midwives still love their job, which is great. Rather them than me, though. I'll just read and listen to aaaalll the birth stories and wince in the appropriate places.

A great, quick read if you like birth stories but are too much of a delicate flower to watch them on the telly.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read although if pregnant I guess it's not the book for you. Heartwarming and truthful this book can almost make you feel the emotion the midwives feel when they deliver a child, it is split into chapters depicting things from normal deliveries, those with not such a happy ending, the mechanics used in labour to the fathers that hit the floor. Quick easy read managed in 2 days and reminded me of my student nurse days and the first time I saw a baby being born.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the series but this book didn't really flow somehow. I got this book whilst I was pregnant but luckily didn't get chance to read it until after I'd had my baby as there are quite a few upsetting stories about babies born too early, stillborn or with problems that have arisen from the birth, which I would of caused me to worry.

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was thoroughly bored reading this. Loved the tv series and find all things pregnancy/childbirth/parenting interesting but this was just rather dull. Lots of 'my colleague once ......' stories. Didn't learn anything I didn't already know and wasn't overly interested in any part of this book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love One Born and then I saw this book it was a no brainer I had to get it. if you love the series it is worth a read if I see it in the shops I will buy a copy of it as I only have it on my kindle at the moment

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to get more of an indepth view from the midwives POV, I love OBEM!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love the series of this and so decided i would try the book and it was just as good and even had a section at the back that told you how people from previous series were getting on

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book to read if you are pregnant, gives you an insight of what you could expect in the delivery room. Very light hearted and easy to read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting collection of stories and anecdotes. A little repetitive in places.

[Sarah-egan Pentland]

Interesting book. I enjoy the program and am currently on placement in a post-natal ward so gave me a better basic understanding of the role of midwives. Very simply written.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, all-access view of childbirth and midwifery. This helped ease my mind that midwives really care and want the best for the women in their care.