“They say a woman’s work is never done and neither is a mother’s any more than it begins or knows its boundaries: day by day, night by night, morning by morning. A mother sees all things and seeks to meet all needs and always with a laugh that need not speak its name."

Episode 8 was our Season 13 finale and I will be missing the show until its return next year. It was a fabulous season, and this particular episode had some surprising elements that unfolded. How does the show throw us for a loop at every opportunity!?! We found out that Miss Millicent Higgins had a son, John/Victor Chopra, many decades ago. In this episode, she finally reunites with him in a heartfelt embrace, albeit with some initial trepidation. I loved the beautiful chrysanthemums that he bought for her. We learn that Millicent met Victor’s father in India, a country she loved and had wanted to spend time in. Shortly after giving birth to Victor, she gave him up for adoption to a couple. I really loved the rapid-fire questions later on in the episode as a way for both of them to get to know each other’s favorite film, novel, and composer. Additionally, the family slide show highlighting the Chopra’s lives was so unbelievably touching and reminded me of my family slideshows – all huddled together in a darkened room with our cousins as we relived some happy events. It was so poignant when Millicent stated she was there for Victor’s first breath and his last. Following Victor’s death. Millicent’s grandson, Harry, assisted her as they put the gifted bouquet in the River Thames in honor of Victor’s life.

Meanwhile, the Turner family was also blessed to have their adopted daughter, May, finally have a state of permanency. It was stressful as the Turners were told to show up for an international call with May’s biological mother. In the end, May’s mother needed to hear the confirmation that she was loved and that May wished to live with the Turners indefinitely.

In this finale, a few characters experienced a crescendo of events that in the end required courage and confrontation of deep issues. For instance, Trixie was handling her extreme stress by relapsing into sleeplessness and pills. But by the end of the episode, it felt as though she may be returning to Alcoholics Anonymous as well as possibly moving to New York to reunite with Matthew. (The signs are encouraging, although I am still concerned for our dear Trixie). At the same time, our new midwife, Joyce Highland, was able to stand up to the abusive Sylvester with the support and backing of her good friend Rosalind and Sister Julienne. I loved it when Joyce exclaimed to Sylvester, “The truth is mine and I’ve told it to good people.” She had shed her life as Claudine and became Joyce to protect herself and move forward in a positive direction. However, with the truth now exposed, she can finally move forward in her life without being controlled by Sylvester’s looming threat. Sister Julienne was such a supportive ally to Joyce at this moment, especially when she noted the importance of reporting Sylvester to the police for blackmail.

In addition to all these incredible storylines, there was also the fabulous, “Mother of the Year” competition. In attendance were biological mothers, adoptive parents, and the nuns and midwives who have given their lives to assisting women as they pass over that threshold into motherhood. All of these different routes to becoming a mother are like a tapestry. In May, we celebrate nurses and midwives and the amazing work that they do. I have always felt it was more of a vocation than a job. It is so special as we also celebrate Mother’s Day and honor our own mums who have brought us into this world along with those who have helped us on our personal paths through life. To me, a good mother shows so many elements that are evident in a good leader. And, that is what they often do—love, teach, empower, embrace, and lead us! I was so moved when Sister Julienne was named the Mother of the Year as she exemplifies so many incredible qualities.

Recently I read an article about what characteristics make a good midwifery leader and what structures or processes help to assist or enable this (the article is listed below in the resources). Just like Sister Julienne in our show Call the Midwife, the researchers note that strong midwifery leaders were seen as being mediators, dedicated to the profession, evidence-based practitioners, effective decision-makers, role models, advocates, visionaries, resilient, empathetic, and compassionate. These characteristics mapped to compassionate, transformational, servant, authentic, and situational leadership styles.

A couple of things I wanted to note from this episode that we just no longer see as a Modern Day Midwife: Our wages are put in electronically—I smiled with the paper envelopes with cash ☺ Also, when Timothy Turner was on the telephone (I do love a rotary phone and still have a decorative one in my guest bedroom) and told someone that you “can’t order antibiotics over the phone.” In the present day, we do communicate with the pharmacy and order over the phone or electronically. I was recently with some of my students as we prepared them before going out into their communities to start their midwifery clinical experiences. I had discussed wearing visors and using eye protection for births and recounted a story of a colleague who had amniotic fluid in her face!! Well, the moment when Trixie had the unpleasant experience – this was a repeat lesson for the students that will be watching!!

Thank you, Call the Midwife. Season 13 was fabulous. I cannot wait until next year!

“We’re all really nothing and no one but our mother and never again will the world feel so complete. Our time on earth becomes a quest for love… beautiful love to feed us, love to teach us, love to help us grow and keep us safe. And, we will find it because love is always closer than we think. Love is in every smile we exchange, every lesson we share, every gift we give and we receive. Love is in every breath we take. It is the greatest prize of all.”

RESOURCES

Pezaro, S., Zarbiv, G., Jones, J., Feika, ML, Fitzgerald, L, Lukhele, S., Memillan-bohler, J., Baloy, O., da Silva, K.M., Granti, C., Bayliss-Prattj, L., & Hardtman, P. (2024). Characteristics of strong midwifery leaders and enablers of strong midwifery leadership: An international appreciative inquiry. Midwifery, 32, 103982. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2024.103982