Linda FairleyThe Midwife's Here!: The Enchanting True Story of One of Britain's Longest Serving Midwives

This was an enchanting book. Full of stories of nursing in the 60's in England. It was certainly a different time in medicine. But I found it simply fascinating. I loved reading Ms. Fairley's story of going from being a nursing student to becoming a midwife. It was positively fantastic to read about someone who loved her job so much!And I really love that she wrote frankly about the good times and the bad. I think it would have been a less authentic book without the inclusion of the bad times in her nursing and midwife career. It was heart wrenching to read about, but that's okay.She had a ghost writer to help write this book, and the writing was superb. They worked together seemlessly to write this book.I cannot wait to read their next book. To read more wonderful, touching stories of babies being born. And even heart wrenching stories of things going badly. Because the stories are told with love and compassion and a passion that most people cannot claim for their work. Linda Fairley is an amazing woman with amazing stories to tell!

With my daughter is expecting her first child, it was interesting to read all the true birth stories. I'm grateful medicine has made such great advances. The story takes place in the sixties and early seventies, when birthing method were rapidly changing. I found myself reliving those times in history. Ms Fairly writes in a very down to earth way. She has a positive, hopeful vibe even when things went unexpectedly wrong. Midwifery is definitely a vocation and Ms Fairley found her calling.

It is a lovely story of one woman's journey to become a midwife. You are taken through the nursing training with all the ups and downs. Then you ride the roller coaster that is midwifery. The book is engaging and hard to put down. I'm looking for the next book!

An enjoyable read detailing the education of a sheltered middle class girl as she learns first nursing, then midwifery. Interesting details of what the educational process was like back then.A little insulting the way the women were treated - like sheep incapable of thought. Quite off-putting to read how often they were told "that's just the way it is", and absolutely horrifying the way Dr Franklin spoke to some women. Absolutely disgusting and appalling.The first time she is alone as a midwife she sits thinking, "I did it!! I delivered this baby." Uhm no. No you didn't. The mother delivered her child. You assisted.There is a thread of power-play undercurrent in the book. Subtle but uncomfortable to read. Also quite self-congratulatory. If I had to read one more time how awesome she was and how proud everyone was of her I thought I'd gag.Having picked the book apart, laying out all its negatives, I'd like to end on a positive. This was a was very uplifting book. It was a quick, sweet read, and despite the negatives mentioned above I really enjoyed reading it. Recommended.

I loved this book. I don't understand the negative review stating ' I found the author's writing style self-absorbed, immature, and frankly, boring. 'This is an autobiography not fiction. Fast paced, touching, hilarious & sad stories of life, death & a woman who truly adores her job. After reading this I really wish I could have nursed in England where the patients seem so much more civilized than the states. Amazing to compare the difference in the way nurses/midwives were treated with respect & dignity as little as 10 years ago in England as to how patients here regard them. The end leaves you begging for more but don't worry there is a sequel which is also great. This book focuses mainly on Linda's education & first 10 years or so in practice. There is a bit of her personal life but it is more about professional life. If you have an interest in medicine or autobiographies you will love this book. If only Linda could have delivered my boys or that we could have worked together.

I love reading stories that people are willing to share about their lives. This book was one of those stories. Linda Fairley wrote about her journey toward earning her nursing credentials, as well as adding to that the training to become a midwife. What I liked about her story was the little tidbits of life in England during those times -- the Beatles, the government, clothing -- though she is quite restrained and remained professional in the relating of these situations. There was likely more details she could have shared about her patients, their babies and the families but I liked that she stuck to the facts and honored their confidences. While others wanted to know about her husband, who had been supportive, I felt she was right to stick to the business of the midwife. Great book if you like stories about nursing, especially those related to the birthing process. I feel this book was just was advertised.

A wonderful book, well written, illuminating and filled with realistic emotions without being soppy. Linda Fairley tells her wonderful stories with humor and warmth. Loved how she described life in the 60's and 70's as it brought back many memories and laughs with friends today. This is not a hypertechnical book about midwifery or obstetrics. At the same time, if you know anything about the disciplines, this book will not insult your intelligence . She gracefully and realistically recounts the medical issues. This is not a steamy romance novel! This is a wonderful book about the romance between a young woman and her gifts and calling. Ms. Fairley's style makes you feel like you walked the journey with her through the years as a friend.

Could not put this book down it was such a good account of the life of a midwife.Looking forward to reading the sequel!

Based on a very interesting life the person lived, the story line and location were very well done. One of the more interesting stories was when riding her moped, she slipped on ice and went through the emergency room door.

It came as a pleasant surprise, when perusing options for a Kindle book to download for my wife, to find on the cover of this particular book, the face of the truly excellent midwife, who had attended to the birth of our son. (We still have a photograph, which shows a calm and smiling Linda Fairley, with my wife and our new born, which was taken shortly after his birth.)Consequently my wife thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and recommended that I read it too, which I did and this review reflects my own personal responses.Although from my viewpoint it was interesting to gain some insight into the decision-making and personal experiences, which had nurtured the evolution of this highly efficient NHS professional, the book's true strengths lie in its portrayal of the human factor.There are some heart-warming moments and some sad ones too, described compassionately and in a manner, which allows the reader to empathise with those involved.In addition, there are some amusing anecdotes and many a laugh out loud moment.Character descriptions, which often include detailed eccentricities and distinctive dialogue, are instrumental in cultivating the reader's in-depth understanding of those with whom Linda Fairley interacts. They serve to add to the humour or drama that is taking place at any given point in time.I particularly enjoyed the nostalgic aspects of the autobiography having been familiar with the period in time and many of the places described within the book's contexts.Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable and memorable read.

I got the kindle edition which unfortunately wasn’t included with kindle unlimited but it was worth the money . This midwife memoir is better than the others I’ve read before . One had questionable practices often with family members and trainees ( not in a legit midwifery program ) stepping in to help her deliver the baby . The other was very aggressive about home births and anti hospitals . At the very least , the place that this midwife trained and worked seem to follow regulations . I feel like this book should be divided into two books , as her nursing training took up one half and the midwifery training took up the second half . The first half is very graphic as other readers also picked up ;some of the things mentioned are beyond disturbing far beyond the most graphic childbirth scene I have personally seen or heard about on TV or books . Just don’t read anything in the first half on a full stomach is what I say . I think she just wrote about these graphic details just to show her dislike of general nursing. It made me feel bad for her that at the time the only way to midwifery is general nursing. Had she been a student midwife today , she would have skipped out on a lot of the truly disgusting encounters from extremely ill patients ( non pregnancy related ) and would be 150% happier in her studies. I may eventually get Bundles of Joy which is the sequel after reading some other books first .

I downloaded this book not quite knowing if it would be for me or not. However, within the first page I knew I'd found a great book.The words just pour off the page as they read so easily, it's more like listening to a tale from an old friend.Linda writes it beautifully and you can feel her truth, honesty and hard work coming alive in every page.Tears did fall from my eyes in a couple of the stories, as well as gasps of disbelief in parts too. As a mother who has given birth I'm even more appreciative of todays standards and methods of delivery, thankful that we have moved on from times only 30/40 years ago.If you're interested in midwifery, nursing, are a mother yourself,or wonder what our mothers went through when we were born, then this book is for you.I will be waiting for the next book with great anticipation.Thank you Linda for sharing your story.