Read Online It Shouldn't Happen to a Midwife! by Jane Yeadon - Free Book Online Page B

for liars is not what I joined this profession to do.’
    Having successfully laid a mantle of gloom and continuing the spirit of despondency, Miss Harvey picked up a decayed looking pelvis and the head of a doll so battered it merited social work intervention or an autopsy. With the care of an antique dealer happening on a rare find, she held up both artefacts. ‘These are the Professor’s and he uses them for his lecture on the Mechanism of Labour – his special subject.’
    Mechanics and labour weren’t words I could imagine putting together until Miss Harvey held the pelvis in one hand. With the other she put the doll’s head through, turning it as if screwing a jar top.
    â€˜He uses this to demonstrate the different positions and action of a baby going head first during labour. Even though that’s the best way, it can still deliver in lots of different ways. It’s not always easy to grasp but it’s fundamental to understanding those differences. Nobody explains it better than the Professor. We’re privileged he’s always done it for the student midwives. Now I’m not so sure …’
    My head was beginning to spin at the same speed as the doll’s, except it didn’t have a body to worry about. I’d my stomach to consider. Surely a cancelled lunchtime wasn’t on the cards. My mind drifted off to Seonaid and wandered back in time to catch Miss Harvey’s winding-up lecture.
    â€˜I’ve assured the Professor that you won’t be credited with witnessing that last delivery and that’s helped a bit. Certainly seemed to cheer him up.’ She gave a grim smile. ‘So hopefully, and in a little while, he’ll have calmed down and will come and give his lecture. Otherwise we’ll all be wasting each other’s time. I happen to value mine so whilst you’re having lunch, think what you should profitably do with yours.’

8
A NIGHT ON THE TOWN
    â€˜Well, anyway, that’s our first day over and we haven’t killed anybody,’ I said, ‘but you should have let me speak up for you. I wouldn’t have minded and I’m sure Miss Harvey’d have believed me. She might have been glad that at least one of us wasn’t a liar.’
    Marie only clutched her record book as if it might be snatched from her. ‘Miss Harvey must think we’re awful. What a way to start. We’ll be lucky if we’re not kicked out.’
    As we got out of the lift I determined to be cheerful. ‘Just look on the bright side. See how you’ve forgotten your vertigo; here we are, right on top of the world; and think of all the lovely views from your room and how lucky you are to have the best one.’
    Our corridor was as warm and welcoming as the maternity’s wasn’t with nurses in rollers sprawled over chairs in chatty groups. Untrammelled by parenthood cares, they were discussing ways to avoid them with dancing all night at Maxims’ as good a way as any.
    â€˜And tonight should be great craic with the Showband there,’ someone said, making me want to join the conversation. But I was with Marie and she was still set on a martyr’s course.
    â€˜I wouldn’t have wanted you getting into more trouble. Miss Harvey would just have said my principles should have made me speak up there and then.’ Marie gnawed her knuckle and blinked hard. ‘I’m such a coward. I shouldn’t have been frightened to speak to the Professor.’
    â€˜And when you were squashed flat, given a posthumous medal for bravery? No! I suspect Miss Harvey would really have understood why you didn’t say anything at the actual time.’
    Marie looked doubtful and turned the key in her lock. ‘Ah, Jane, much as you’re trying now, you’re not making me feel any better.’ She considered the middle distance. ‘But confession now, that might – and there’s a church