Call the Midwife

Bringing up children is not simple.

From the moment the midwife cuts the cord,

a mother's task is to nurture and cherish,

to shelter and protect.

Even as she does so, she must teach the child to leave her,

train it to let go of her hand, first to walk unaided,

and then to walk away.

But there is a cord that nothing can sever,

the invisible bond that ties the mother

to her infant, which endures when the child is a child no more.

That's me, then. You can go now.

Here, Auntie Grace sent you some biscuits

to give to your new friends.

They're broken! I can't give anyone these.

It's embarrassing, Mum.

Don't be daft. They all go down the same way!

Nurse Dyer. Welcome to Nonnatus House.

Oh!

Mrs Jackson, it's beautiful!

I haven't had a new frock in so long.

Nurse Franklin did say cocktail dresses were your forte.

She's one of my best customers.

She keeps the wolf from the door, all right.

Now, where d'you want it?

- Um... - 'Bout there? That's a good length on you.

Oh!

Are you all right?

Just a bit breathless. It's age.

Comes to us all.

That's Reggie, but don't mind him.

If you've no objection, Nurse Dyer,

we'll put you to work as soon as you've unpacked.

None at all. I'm here to work,

and the harder the better.

I hope you'll find it to your liking.

This is your bed.

I don't want to be rude, Sister, but I was hoping for a room to myself.

Most of the midwives have to share.

The thing is, and I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it,

but I snore. Like an elephant.

Well, I'm sure we can supply Nurse Franklin with plenty of earplugs.

The others are just finishing breakfast.

When you're ready, go down to the clinical room

and Nurse Crane will assign you your duties for today.

I'll be down in two ticks, Sister.

Oh, how lovely! Thank you, darling.

I was thinking I might get up today.

What does the doctor think?

In the doctor's expert opinion, it's still a bit too soon.

I had a feeling the doctor might say that.

- Has anyone seen my cricket bat? - Under the pile in the hall?

Which pile? There's quite a few to pick from.

I'll get it for you.

Stay right where you are, Mrs Turner.

I'll have it ready for Sunday. I'll bring it to church.

Oh, that would be lovely.

Oh, goodness, I'm late!

I'll see you Sunday.

Hello, Fred.

- It's like Piccadilly Circus round here. - Morning, Ivy.

I got your message.

Vi said you were leaking again.

It's my tap, cheeky beggar. Best come inside.

It's all right, Reggie, Cousin Fred's come to fix the tap.

Reggie!

Hello, Fred.

Still got that strong hand grip, I see!

You better let go of him or he won't be able to fix the tap.

What are we having for dinner?

What do you fancy?

Rice pudding.

Then that's what we're having.

Nurse Dyer, welcome. Are you early or are we late?

I'm early. Blame the army.

No blame necessary. Punctuality is a very desirable trait.

One we could all do with cultivating.

Sorry.

Ladies, may I introduce Nurse Valerie Dyer, our latest recruit.

- Welcome! - Hello.

Shall we do our level best to convince her that we operate

like a well-oiled machine?

We've heard a lot about you.

You'll need this. It's got everything you need

for day-to-day work and anything else is in here.

Make sure you sign all items out.

Nurse Crane likes to run a tight ship,

down to the very last clamp.

Thanks. I didn't realise how much I'd missed all this.

Right, ladies, to work.

Nurse Gilbert, post-natal check on Mrs Hunt in Baxter Buildings

then back here on call.

Sister Winifred, maternity home to cover for Mrs Turner.

I'm so happy to be able to help our own mother-to-be.

I've put you on routine home visits, Nurse Dyer. Nothing too taxing.

Around Grundy Street and Stainsby Road.

That was Mr Williams. His wife's in a great deal of pain.

It sounds as though she's gone into labour.

Oh! She's not due for another two weeks.

Can you go, Nurse Franklin?

I'll spare Nurse Dyer. It is her first day.

Just my luck. The most miserable woman in Poplar.

Oh Bill, do it. Just do it!

I can't, Crystal. I can't do it.

Ah, you have to!

I'll go stark raving mad if I have to put up with this.

I don't care who it is,

get them in here and give them the bloody pliers!

Hello, Mrs Williams. Midwife calling.

Oh, sweetie. Can you tell me how far apart the contractions are?

It's not the baby!

It's her teeth, Nurse.

Oh, Bill, you haven't...?

No, she asked me to, but I couldn't do it. I just couldn't.

You do it, Nurse. Please, I'm begging you.

I'm afraid I can't, Mrs Williams.

I'm not qualified to pull teeth out with pliers.

Toothache is absolutely vile, I know.

Why don't you let me take a little look?

If you don't let me, I won't be able to help.

Oh, gosh, poor you. That does look terrible.

No wonder you're in agony. I think you might have an infection.

We'll have to get you to the doctor.

You have an abscess, Mrs Williams.

A serious infection beneath your tooth.

I will prescribe you painkillers and a course of penicillin.

I want this cleared up before baby makes an appearance.

I'll also refer you to the dental department at the hospital.

Hopefully, the dentist can see you immediately.

Dentist? Why do I need to see a dentist?

You've given me medicine.

Your teeth are badly decayed, Mrs Williams.

That could be quite dangerous in a pregnant woman.

No. Please, no! No dentist!

They're butchers.

There, there, Mrs Williams, try not to get upset.

I'm not going.

Mrs Williams,

a fear of the dentist is one of the most common phobias there is.

Next to spiders. We understand. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

Thank you.

Oh, hello.

We just popped in to see how your day went.

I loved it! I can't wait for tomorrow.

Don't be too keen -- you'll put the rest of us to shame.

Thank you for re-arranging my wardrobe, Valerie.

Well, I did need somewhere to hang both my dresses.

I'm teasing. You've done me a favour.

I've got far too many clothes, anyway.

In fact, I'm going to do a gigantic clear-out

and give bags of stuff to the church jumble.

Then she'll just go and buy it all back again.

Twiglet?

- Oh, I've got nuts, if you fancy those. - How about a drink?

Oh, I didn't know this was... So I haven't brought anything.

Don't be silly. It doesn't matter.

You can bring the snacks next time.

Well, I have got biscuits. But, er...

you wouldn't want them. They're broken.

My Auntie Grace gave me them. You don't have to eat them.

Don't be daft, they're delicious.

They are.

I won't be back from church until the big hand's at the six

and the little hand's at the 12.

Understand?

Reggie, are you listening to me?

Point at the clock, then.

Now, what do I tell ya? Don't touch the stove.

Don't open the window. Don't answer the door.

- And... - Don't eat the biscuits.

Good lad.

Ah!

Indigestion.

I knew I shouldn't have eaten the last of that rice pudding.

I'm going now.

Roger and out.

I love you, Reggie.

I love you, Mum.

"Jesus said..."

"suffer the little children, and let them come unto me."

And in saying children,

perhaps Jesus wanted us to know that he values those who are

no longer children but who still see the world with a child's eye.

Those of us still filled with curiosity. Those open to new ideas.

Those who are trusting and free of fear.

"For of such is the kingdom of heaven." Amen.

Amen.

Now, let us sing hymn number 205.

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.

Tom, help me!

It's only me, Reggie, cousin Fred. Can you open the door?

I'm not allowed. Mum will not let me.

I'm sure she won't mind. Come on, son.

Reggie...

your mum was taken ill at the church.

Reggie, your mum was so ill that even a doctor couldn't help her.

And she died.

Do you understand what that means?

That she's gone to sleep and can't wake up?

That's right, son.

Is she with God now?