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

“We are nothing without others.
In their presence we unfold.
A smile exchanged, a confidence shared, a joining of forces as we make our way.
These are the things that unite us and enable us to thrive. Perhaps above all else -- we are what we share …. a glance, a task, a passion, a child, our happiness, our home.”

This episode dealt with facing your fears and challenges, personal growth, and finding your voice. There were storylines that dealt with past and current situations entailing trauma and abuse. The Nonnatus house nuns and midwives observed and listened so that they could try to find a path forward that engaged, met needs, and advocated for reducing harm and optimizing or promoting health. The characters had to really examine their setting and their community. As Sister Francis said, “they can learn about us and we can learn about them and their customs and what they need from us.” What unfolded was a highly functioning team. The characters displayed both personal and professional growth during Episode 6. I felt like they were coming into their own.

Mrs. Sherry Watson highlighted the stressors and extremes people can go to and the dangers that can ensue without safe reproductive healthcare. The Abortion Reform Bill was on the horizon. Trixie was there to herald and advocate for change by writing a powerful letter and then giving voice to her professional midwifery view.

Students worked with the team and adapted with scheduling when the midwives had to deal with a retained placenta (Manju). Because of this situation Mr. Raj Gupta sought out the midwives to assist with his wife. This storyline really helped to highlight how midwives listen, adapt, and meet community needs. It takes building bridges and trust. Sister Francis led the way to deepen care in the community by identifying a gap and working with the entire team to bridge those barriers. They made assessments, sought allies and a plan, submitted paperwork for funding, and held a pilot program to display what was possible. I found Miss Higgins impressive with her skills—both technical (making the flyers) along with her Punjabi translation skills. The pregnancy and birth outcome of Mrs. Sarita Gupta, pregnant mother that was experiencing post-traumatic stress from past childhood horrors, would have been significantly different without her midwifery care.

As a modern day midwife, it is so important to be at the table with important decisions or discussions. We have many things to protect—physiologic birth, autonomy of women and families during childbearing, reproductive rights through the life cycle, choices and options that come with being a free individual. As well, we are often blocked from practicing to the full extent of our education and certification. We must really maintain our passion, trust our knowledge, push back on the injustices and imbalances that we note and experience. We must trust our voice and use it!! We need to be heard and we need to be influential in decision making that impact our profession, our clients, and our communities. What we have to say is of true value. Midwives need to speak up in ways that will be listened to and then acted upon. We need to refuse to be silent as there is much at stake and much for women/ childbearing families to lose.

It takes courage and at times you may stand alone. Just like the characters in Call the Midwife, we cannot be afraid to use our voices. In the episode we saw the hard work of standing up. The midwives and nuns tried to bridge challenges and limitations and they spoke their truth. At the same time—they reminded us to support others in their journey of finding their voice.

Change can happen when someone shows up, someone listens, and someone pushes the barriers. I have always liked that quote “well behaved women rarely make history.” Just like the bold and audacious midwives and nuns of Nonnatus House – we work to make change happen – on a personal level, on a local community level, and even on a global level.

I saw true growth within our characters and it made me reflect on my own career and professional growth. I come from a family where using your voice was encouraged. Can you imagine the power that we could unleash if all people were encouraged to have a voice, to not lose their voice and to support others in this pursuit?

“Secrets can maim us.
Shame can close us off.
What we bury drags us down and there can be no flight from it.
Speak. Speak up. Speak out.
Find the words to express the facts that matter.
Bring them out into the light, into the air.
Hiding heals nothing.
Silence saves no one.
When we are heard we can be acknowledged.
When we are known we can belong.
Bound together we are stronger and braver than we know.
Alone we are fragile and at the mercy of the storm.”