How Accurate is the Show “Call the Midwife”?
The BBC’s “Call the Midwife” is mostly accurate in its depiction of midwifery and life in 1950s and 60s East London, particularly concerning medical procedures and social issues; however, it employs dramatic license for narrative pacing and character development.
The Enduring Appeal of “Call the Midwife”
“Call the Midwife,” a beloved BBC drama, has captivated audiences worldwide with its heartwarming portrayal of midwives in post-war East London. The show, based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, offers a glimpse into a bygone era of healthcare, community, and social change. But how accurate is the show “Call the Midwife”? beyond the compelling storylines and endearing characters? This article delves into the historical context, medical accuracy, and social commentary presented in the show to determine its fidelity to reality.
The Historical Context: Poplar in the 1950s and 60s
The series paints a vivid picture of Poplar, a district in London’s East End, grappling with poverty, overcrowded housing, and a rapidly changing society.
- Post-War Austerity: The show accurately depicts the lingering effects of World War II, including rationing, damaged infrastructure, and economic hardship.
- Immigration: The growing presence of immigrant communities, particularly those from the Caribbean and Asia, is highlighted, reflecting the changing demographics of the time.
- Social Change: The show explores the burgeoning social movements of the era, including the rise of feminism, increased awareness of social inequality, and changing attitudes toward sexuality and contraception.
Medical Accuracy: Midwifery Practices and Procedures
One of the show’s strengths lies in its commitment to depicting accurate midwifery practices of the time.
- Home Births: The emphasis on home births is historically accurate, as hospitals were often reserved for complicated cases.
- Midwifery Skills: The midwives’ use of manual techniques, such as external cephalic version (ECV) to turn breech babies, is realistically portrayed.
- Medical Conditions: The show tackles a range of medical conditions prevalent during the era, including preeclampsia, breech presentation, and infections, accurately illustrating their treatment and management.
- Equipment: The show depicts the limitations of available medical equipment, compared to modern standards. The midwives often had to improvise and rely on their skills and experience.
Dramatic License: Entertainment vs. Reality
While “Call the Midwife” strives for accuracy, it inevitably takes dramatic license to enhance the narrative.
- Pacing and Frequency: The show condenses events and conditions. In reality, not every delivery was dramatically life-threatening.
- Character Representation: While based on real individuals, characters are often composites or embellished for dramatic effect.
- Romantic Relationships: Some romantic storylines are fictionalized or dramatized to add emotional depth and complexity to the plot.
- Compression of Time: Events that occurred over a longer period are often compressed into a single episode or season.
Comparing “Call the Midwife” to Real-World Statistics
| Metric | “Call the Midwife” Depiction | Historical Reality (England & Wales, 1950s/60s) |
|---|---|---|
| Home Birth Rate | Predominantly home births, hospital births for complications. | Significant percentage of home births, declining over time. (Around 60% in the 1950s, decreasing to around 30% by the late 1960s) |
| Infant Mortality | Depicted with tragic frequency. | Significantly higher than today, but declining throughout the period. (Around 25-30 per 1,000 live births in the early 1950s, falling to around 20 by the late 1960s) |
| Maternal Mortality | Depicted as a serious concern, with occasional fatalities. | Higher than today, but declining. (Around 0.8-1.0 per 1,000 births in the 1950s, decreasing throughout the 1960s). |
| Family Size | Large families are common. | Larger than today on average, but declining. |
Social Commentary: Reflecting a Changing Society
Beyond the medical aspects, “Call the Midwife” tackles significant social issues of the time, offering a nuanced portrayal of a society in transition.
- Poverty and Inequality: The show realistically depicts the harsh living conditions faced by many in East London, highlighting the disparities in access to healthcare and resources.
- Women’s Rights: The show explores the limited opportunities available to women, as well as the growing movement for female empowerment.
- Mental Health: “Call the Midwife” addresses mental health issues, such as postpartum depression and schizophrenia, shedding light on the stigma and lack of resources surrounding mental illness at the time.
- Changing Attitudes Towards Sex and Contraception: The show realistically reflects the shifting attitudes towards sex, contraception, and family planning, as the birth control pill became more widely available.
Conclusion: A Compelling Blend of Fact and Fiction
Ultimately, how accurate is the show “Call the Midwife”? It’s a blend of historical accuracy and dramatic license. While the show takes liberties with certain storylines and character portrayals, it remains grounded in the realities of midwifery and life in post-war East London. The show’s commitment to depicting accurate medical procedures, social issues, and historical context makes it a valuable and engaging piece of television. It serves as a compelling reminder of the progress made in healthcare and social justice, while also honoring the dedication and compassion of midwives throughout history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Jennifer Worth’s book “Call the Midwife” a completely factual account?
While Jennifer Worth’s memoirs serve as the foundation for the series, it’s important to remember that they are her recollections and perspectives. Some details may have been altered over time, and certain events may have been embellished. The show also incorporates additional research and historical context beyond Worth’s personal experiences.
Did the midwives in the show really deliver babies in such impoverished conditions?
Yes, the show accurately portrays the challenging living conditions faced by many families in East London during the 1950s and 60s. Overcrowding, poverty, and lack of access to basic sanitation were common. Midwives frequently delivered babies in cramped, unsanitary environments.
Were the medical procedures depicted in “Call the Midwife” accurate for the time?
In most cases, yes. The show employs medical advisors to ensure that the procedures, equipment, and treatments depicted are consistent with the medical knowledge and practices of the era. However, dramatic license may sometimes be used to heighten the drama.
How common was it for midwives to live and work in a religious order, like Nonnatus House?
The convent depicted in the show is a composite of various religious orders and charitable organizations that provided healthcare services in East London. While not all midwives lived in convents, many worked closely with religious communities.
Did the characters in “Call the Midwife” exist in real life?
While some characters are based on real individuals, many are composites or fictionalized versions of people Jennifer Worth encountered during her time as a midwife. The show also introduces entirely fictional characters to add depth and complexity to the narrative.
How did the introduction of the NHS (National Health Service) affect midwifery in the 1950s and 60s?
The NHS, introduced in 1948, fundamentally changed healthcare in Britain. Midwives were integrated into the NHS system, providing free maternity care to all women. This led to a decline in private midwifery and an increase in hospital births.
Was infant mortality as high in the 1950s and 60s as depicted in the show?
Yes, infant mortality rates were significantly higher in the 1950s and 60s compared to today. Factors such as poverty, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare contributed to this. The show realistically portrays the tragic loss of infant lives that occurred during this period.
How did the birth control pill impact midwifery practice in the 1960s?
The introduction of the birth control pill in the 1960s had a profound impact on family planning and midwifery. It gave women greater control over their fertility, leading to smaller families and a decline in the birth rate. Midwives played a crucial role in providing information and access to contraception.
Did midwives of the time have as much autonomy as they appear to have in the show?
Midwives did have considerable autonomy in their practice, particularly when attending home births. They were responsible for assessing the mother’s health, managing labor and delivery, and providing postpartum care. However, they also worked under the supervision of doctors and consulted with them when necessary.
How accurate is the show’s portrayal of social issues like poverty and discrimination?
“Call the Midwife” generally does a good job portraying the social issues prevalent in East London during the 1950s and 60s. It sheds light on the challenges faced by marginalized communities, including poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources.
Does “Call the Midwife” accurately depict the changing role of women in society?
Yes, the show effectively captures the evolving role of women in post-war Britain. It explores the limited opportunities available to women, as well as the growing movement for female empowerment. The midwives themselves are strong, independent women who challenge societal norms.
What are some common misconceptions about midwifery that the show addresses?
“Call the Midwife” challenges misconceptions about midwifery by portraying midwives as highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals. It highlights the importance of their role in providing holistic care to women and families. The show also debunks the myth that home births are inherently dangerous.