The Baby's Coming: A Story of Dedication by an Independent Midwife Paperback – 13 Mar. 2014

The Baby's Coming is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Not only is it a fascinating insight into the training and life of both an NHS and then Independent Midwife, and the story of a resourceful, bright and passionate mum, but also a testimony to the importance of preserving and protecting Independent Midwifery. Virginia's positive, caring and infectious personality leaps from every page...any pregnant mum would want to be cared for by her. In a system where caregivers survive by becoming detached, Virginia stands out as a professional who simply cannot close her heart to the women in her care, and she feels their tragedies and triumphs but above all fiercely protects each of 'her' women's right to choose where and how and with whom she gives birth. The birth stories in here moved me to tears on more than one occasion, but for me personally the most moving line was ' I will face any consequence of breaking a law in order to say my life's work has had meaning. I will not betray the women I care for.' My god mothers have waited a long time to be championed in this way by such an amazing individual. Go Virginia! Buy this book people, and see what maternity care can and should be, for every single woman.

As a wannabe midwife this read just reconfirmed everything I feel about going into the profession! Virginia’s accounts of childbirth are inspiring and empowering I hope one day I’ll be as good a midwife!

The Baby's Coming by Virginia Howes was a book I had apprehensions about. I read this during the last stages of my midwifery training and was a little anxious that it might become one of those books (and tv programmes, films, articles...) that just annoys and infuriates me. It's not necessarily the subject of this sort of book that annoys me but usually the editing, where things aren't quite right. Just ask Jim what I'm like watching Casualty and you'll get the picture*.This book is one of the few midwifery autobiographies that hasn't driven me to distraction and is now gladly welcomed into my exclusive "Midwifery Books I Enjoy" club alongside Baby Catcher by Peggy Vincent and the Call the Midwife trilogy by Jennifer Worth. This is because although some bits did frustrate me, they were the bits that were meant to! Also the way the births and care were described were something I could entirely relate to as a student midwife transitioning into a qualified one.As an autobiography, the book describes Virginia's life from her teenage years, through her experiences as a parent, her nurse and midwifery training and finally her practice as an independent midwife. It was interesting to read about some of the experiences she had during her training and think about how much has, and unfortunately also hasn't, changed.The main reason I bought the book originally was because I wanted insight into independent midwifery. At this point in time, I have no plans to become an independent midwife but you never know! Virginia describes well the differences between practice in the NHS and independent practice and the benefits and challenges independent midwives face.Of course, most of the readers of the book won't be midwives or students and this book caters for the ordinary reader as well. If you like books about birth and babies, this will not disappoint and the descriptions of the births are some of my favourite bits. Some will make you laugh, others will make you cry. All will keep you entertained.Definitely would recommend this to midwives and students as well as mums, dads, anyone interested in what independent midwifery is and the perspective of an independent midwife.

Having been a past nurse and midwife myself I am always curious to read this type of material.This book has been thoughtfully and expertly written by a clearly dedicated midwife. It was hard to put down and thoroughly captivating.So why didn't I award it 5 stars...?The reason is that Virginia clearly had a very negative time spent in NHS midwifery settings and other than a few good midwives acknowledged seemed to portray the rest of the 'Bison' in a very poor light. I do understand completely the characters she discusses having come into contact with a few very similar myself as a midwife!However there is also an enormous amount of wonderful, caring passionate NHS midwifes who strive day in day out under tremendously difficult circumstances to give the 'Gold Standard' care we all WANT to give. I have worked in a busy Labour ward, midwife led unit and community setting within the same hospital and fantastically positive births are achieved every day. I myself had my first child and daughter in a pool in the hospital I worked at, followed by my son via Casearian section! Despite Virginia's claims that her workload covered all demographics I know with certainty that past women of mine would never in a lifetimes saving be able to afford Independent Midwifery as an option....My concern with this book is if a nervous first time mum to be reads it she may become alarmed that if she does not employ herself an independent midwife she may well be left in a medicalised stuffy NHS room at the mercy of the 'Bison' !!Whilst formidable characters, I have to say, that if my delivery was going 'titsup' one of those very experienced, matriarchal characters entering the room was a huge comfort!As midwives I would hope we ALL want to achieve a positive natural and wonderful life affirming birth , and I just hope lovely mums to be aren' t spooked into thinking if they cross an NHS threshold that the scaplels not far behind!

Well written and very enjoyable. It was an easy read and not too heavy. I recommend to anyone who enjoy this type of read.

An excellent read for any one supporting women in birth whether that be a nurse, midwife, ob or a doula.