Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author.

No matter the decade we are discussing, the delicate dance of trying to balance life, work, and motherhood is as problematic today as it was during the show’s time. We watch Midwife Corrigan (Megan Cusack), whose daughter is temporarily living in a children’s home until she can complete her midwifery education and has the ability to provide a home for the child, face this head on in this episode. She cherishes Saturdays with her daughter as it is the only time during the week that they have an entire day to spend together unencumbered by other responsibilities; but she is torn by being invited/required to attend an educational conference that will benefit her career. She aptly proclaims her frustration with “I have to choose between what’s good for my daughter and what’s good for me”; words I would venture to guess every mother through history has uttered. In the prior episode we heard Sister Julienne say how rare it was to have a midwife in active service who was married; and that a pregnant midwife was virtually unheard of, which speaks to how difficult it was for midwives at the time to pursue a career.

Midwifery was, and still is, not a profession that is at the top of the list of those most conducive to work/life balance. While the profession is demanding, and the work hours are long and fall over very odd times – nights, weekends, and holidays, the struggle is the same for working women in all types of careers and jobs. Add to that the reality that in our American culture 6 weeks of maternity leave is the standard, compared to other countries that offer parents (not just the mother) paid leave for much longer periods of time. And yet we wonder what we see so many women struggle with postpartum anxiety and depression?

Another discussion I found interesting in the episode was that around epidural analgesia between Dr. Turner (Stephen McGann), Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter), and Midwife Corrigan as they attended the conference. Now, we all know that the script writers have the benefit of having the knowledge of how epidural analgesia actually did affect the obstetrical landscape through time and can draw upon that when writing these episodic stories. As such, Dr. Turner was spot on with his response to Midwife Corrigan’s question as to his thoughts about this “new” pain relief method called an epidural when he said, “I can see forceps being used more with epidurals.” Studies have demonstrated that while epidural analgesia is an effective pain relief method, it is associated with a higher rate of instrumental assisted births. Instrumental births involve the use of either a vacuum – called a ventouse in the UK, which is the term Midwife Corrigan used, or forceps to help complete the baby’s arrival.

Aptly, Sister Julienne acknowledged what a breakthrough it was for women to be able to receive pain relief in labor. Indeed, various methods of pain relief for childbirth, including epidurals, and nitrous oxide, which was mentioned in the discussion as well, have made a world of difference for an immeasurable number of women. I have cared for many women whom I am convinced were only able to have a vaginal birth because of adequate pain relief. Personally, I look at pain relief in labor as a menu in which all appropriate methods should be available (and I emphasize ALL appropriate methods – not just epidural anesthesia). And women who desire an unmedicated labor and birth should be supported in their choice just as heartily. Labor and birth are not a one size fits all proposition.

Now to the episode conclusion… Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) may have been right on the money about the black crow omen (seeing black crows are supposed to be a sign of coming death and destruction). Could the show be losing Dr. Turner or Sister Julienne? It is going to be a long week waiting to see what happens next!