The New Midwife

Chapter 8

I parked my bike on the rack, grabbed my bag and headed inside. The other nurses and sisters were gather around the table enjoying their lunch.
"Sorry I'm late sister Mrs Wall was having trouble feeding" I apologized as I took my seat and joined the others.
"It's fine sister I would like to introduce you to Dr Turner" an older gentleman sitting at the table smiled kindly at me.
"It's lovely to meet you Dr Turner" I smiled at him placing a sandwich onto my plate.
"It's nice to meet you sister, I have been told your singing voice rivals my wife's so I had to come and meet you" he smiled kindly at me.
"I have been told that my voice is nice" I smiled at him popping a strawberry into my mouth.
"Your too modest sister" sister Julienne smiled at me making me blush slightly. The telephone began to ring and Trixie went to answer.
"It's Mrs Ryder sister Huxley, she has requested that you go" Chummy said taking her seat at the table. I stood up, grabbed my sandwich and headed out.
5 minutes later
I arrived at Mrs Ryder's calling "midwife calling" into the flat before entering with my bag to see a panting Mrs Ryder leaning on the kitchen table.
"Hello Mary" I smiled at her, placing my bag on the table and rubbing her back in slow soothing circles.
"Hello...sister" she said panting between words.
"Let's get you on the bed so we can hear baby's heartbeat dear" I said placing my hand on her lower back helping her to get onto the bed.

15 hours later
"How much longer sister?" Mary Ryder began to cry.
"You still only 3cm dilated" I replied pulling my rubber glove off.
"I just want it over with sister" she cried again.
"I know you do just stop cry we don't want to waste all that energy now do we?" I said making her stop crying "now I'm going to make you a well sugared tea" I said leaving the room.
The kettle had just boiled when there was a knock at the door and a man calling into the flat.
"Doctor calling"
"In here doctor Turner" I called back expecting to see the older gentleman I saw sat around the table at lunch time. But this man much younger.
"Hello sister I was called out to help when you didn't return to Nonnatus for compline" he explained whilst taking off his coat.
"Yes I'm afraid we have been stuck in the second stage of delivery for up to 8 hours now doctor, and it took just over an hour for the waters to break" I explained to the man who looked exactly like Dr Turner and was apparently a doctor himself.
"AHHHHHH!" Mrs Ryder suddenly cried out in pain causing myself and the doctor to run into the bedroom.
"It's ok Mary, we can do this just keep pushing as hard as you can with each contraction" I told her calmly placing one of her legs on my shoulder.
"I can't sister I'm too tired" she said panting again but this time with her eyes closed.
"Well I'm sure doctor Turner can finish your tea off and we can get to work" I told her indicating that he should make her a cup of tea. The doctor left the room to make the tea and Mary began pushing again.

20 minutes later
"There we are little one come out and say hello to the world" I smiled as I cut the cord and wrapped the baby up tightly. The last stretch was fast even if the baby was breach and she was in labour for over 15 hours. I picked the gorgeous baby girl up in my arms and soothed her before placing her into her mother's arms.
"I don't have a clue what to call her" she chuckled "what is your name sister?" She asked.
"Madeline" I told her smiling.
"I like that thank you sister" she smiled at me before me and the doctor said goodbye and headed outside.