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Aussie Midwives
In a new edition, twenty Australian midwives reflect on their practice and its changes with passionate midwife and bestselling author Fiona McArthur
Midwives play a vital role in supporting women through some of the most challenging and rewarding moments of their lives. These remarkable professionals watch over births across Australia from the remote outback to busy urban hospitals.
Meet Annie, working on the tiny island of Saibai where mothers arrive by dinghy; Kate, a clinical midwifery consultant, who sees women with high-risk pregnancies; Priscilla and Jillian who fly thousands of miles to get mothers and babies to hospital safely with the Royal Flying Doctor Service; and Louise, who gives impromptu consultations in the aisles of the local supermarket.
Funny one minute and heartbreaking the next, Aussie Midwives explores the joys, emotion and drama of childbirth and the lasting effect it has on the people who work in this extraordinary profession.
PRAISE FOR FIONA MCARTHUR
'McArthur...has great skill in storytelling.' Sydney Morning Herald
'Reading Fiona McArthur is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket and sitting under the stars.' Rachael Johns
'I never miss one of Fiona McArthur's books.' Sam Still Reading
Midwives play a vital role in supporting women through some of the most challenging and rewarding moments of their lives. These remarkable professionals watch over births across Australia from the remote outback to busy urban hospitals.
Meet Annie, working on the tiny island of Saibai where mothers arrive by dinghy; Kate, a clinical midwifery consultant, who sees women with high-risk pregnancies; Priscilla and Jillian who fly thousands of miles to get mothers and babies to hospital safely with the Royal Flying Doctor Service; and Louise, who gives impromptu consultations in the aisles of the local supermarket.
Funny one minute and heartbreaking the next, Aussie Midwives explores the joys, emotion and drama of childbirth and the lasting effect it has on the people who work in this extraordinary profession.
PRAISE FOR FIONA MCARTHUR
'McArthur...has great skill in storytelling.' Sydney Morning Herald
'Reading Fiona McArthur is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket and sitting under the stars.' Rachael Johns
'I never miss one of Fiona McArthur's books.' Sam Still Reading
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2023
13 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Fiona McArthur
278 books199 followersFiona McArthur has worked as a midwife for thirty years. She is the clinical midwifery educator inner rural maternity unit and teaches emergency obstetric strategies while working with midwives and doctors from remote and isolated areas.
Fiona has written more than thirty romances, which have sold over two million copies in twelve languages. She has been a midwifery expert for Mother and Baby magazine and is the author of Aussie Midwives. She has also written the novels Red Sand Sunrise, The Homestead Girls and Heart of the Sky. She lives on a farm in northern New South Wales.
Fiona has written more than thirty romances, which have sold over two million copies in twelve languages. She has been a midwifery expert for Mother and Baby magazine and is the author of Aussie Midwives. She has also written the novels Red Sand Sunrise, The Homestead Girls and Heart of the Sky. She lives on a farm in northern New South Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 5, 2022
Ok, so midwifery is a profession I have no interest in at all, I couldn't think of anything worse than assisting in the birth of a baby coming into the world, nope, I don’t have a stomach for that although babies are cute but nopitty nope nope not cute enough to do that. Lol. Nevertheless, Aussie Midwives by Fiona McArthur was an interesting insight in midwifery.
Nineteen midwives share their stories with enthusiasm and humour. Caroline Lee’s narration was wonderful as usual.
Nineteen midwives share their stories with enthusiasm and humour. Caroline Lee’s narration was wonderful as usual.
July 1, 2016
I spotted this book on the shelf at Big W and initially I wasn't going to buy it. It's not my usual thing, but over the next few days I kept thinking about it and wanting to read it, so went back and bought it. Immediately bumped it to number one on the TBR list.
It was a interesting read about midwives, not only the ones assisting in the birthing rooms, but also the ones behind the scenes in education, the ones in rural areas or away from hospital helping women and babies in less than ideal conditions. It was a real eye opener, and made me aware of many issues I was previously ignorant of.
One thing in particular it gave me though, was it encouraged me to think about my own birthing experiences. The intervention, the midwives supporting me. I'm almost embarrassed to admit they are a bit of a blur to me now, but they were undoubtedly a great support to me at the time. It made me aware of the differences of attitudes surround birth in the seven years between my first and third children, in terms of intervention and skin to skin after birth. My first was taken straight to a humicrib, I can't help but wonder with the knowledge I have today, could I have pressed for skin to skin to help her regulate temperature? Could I have breastfed immediately after birth, rather than her having to syringe fed for the first 24 hours? And if so, would we have had a successful breastfeeding relationship? Things I'd never really given a great deal of thought to over the past ten years are now coming to the forefront. I think it's great, a book that makes you think is one you remember, and is certainly worthwhile reading.
I think pregnant women, particularly those nervous about birth would benefit from this book. I think uber clucky women who desperately want another baby but their husbands won't agree (bitter? Who me?) should think twice though, because rather than making me want to be a midwife, it just makes me want to go through childbirth again (OMG, did I really just type that?)
It was a interesting read about midwives, not only the ones assisting in the birthing rooms, but also the ones behind the scenes in education, the ones in rural areas or away from hospital helping women and babies in less than ideal conditions. It was a real eye opener, and made me aware of many issues I was previously ignorant of.
One thing in particular it gave me though, was it encouraged me to think about my own birthing experiences. The intervention, the midwives supporting me. I'm almost embarrassed to admit they are a bit of a blur to me now, but they were undoubtedly a great support to me at the time. It made me aware of the differences of attitudes surround birth in the seven years between my first and third children, in terms of intervention and skin to skin after birth. My first was taken straight to a humicrib, I can't help but wonder with the knowledge I have today, could I have pressed for skin to skin to help her regulate temperature? Could I have breastfed immediately after birth, rather than her having to syringe fed for the first 24 hours? And if so, would we have had a successful breastfeeding relationship? Things I'd never really given a great deal of thought to over the past ten years are now coming to the forefront. I think it's great, a book that makes you think is one you remember, and is certainly worthwhile reading.
I think pregnant women, particularly those nervous about birth would benefit from this book. I think uber clucky women who desperately want another baby but their husbands won't agree (bitter? Who me?) should think twice though, because rather than making me want to be a midwife, it just makes me want to go through childbirth again (OMG, did I really just type that?)
July 4, 2016
I adored this book. Having birthed three babies myself and having friends that are midwives it was great to get an insight into what these incredible women do every single day - assisting in the birth of human beings into the world. From the small towns to remote locations, this book shows the power of the midwife in helping and supporting woman to do what comes naturally and when it doesn't come naturally, drawing on the skills they have to assist. Well done Fiona on such a wonderful read.
February 28, 2018
Midwifery is one of the most fascinating occupations. Midwifes are witnessing and assisting the miracle of birth every day – how incredible and special is this?!
Midwifery in Australia – especially in the small country towns and even the remote outback – is even more fascinating. I thought the stories of all of the midwifes in this anthology were very interesting.
Sadly, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the book stayed too much on a surface level and resisted to dig a little deeper in order to be more real. There is something about the way that Aussie midwifes is written that doesn’t sound quite genuine to me. In my opinion the stories were very heavily curated in order to fit a certain agenda:
Promoting empowerment of women through natural birth
Before you ask what’s wrong with trying to empower women let me tell you: There isn’t! The question is just if pushing the agenda of natural birth no exceptions made is the right way. Of course we know that natural birth without assistance and interventions is preferable from every stand-point but the book made it sound like natural birth was easy: Just let the women know they can do it and let them trust their bodies!
For me personally, the contrary was true: Much agony and trauma could have been avoided if problems were recognised early and assistance (intervention) offered swiftly. Instead I felt my needs were dismissed and even neglected by some of the midwifes on shift during the birth of my baby. Don’t worry, we’re both fine and my daughter was born healthy but I still feel traumatised from my birth experience half a year later.
I just wish that the book would have acknowledged women like me who couldn’t give birth naturally more. I understand that I probably read the book with a personal need to be understood or to better understand what happened to me and it’s not the book’s fault that it couldn’t deliver on that. However, it made me very sad and tired that it went on and on with preaching and pushing natural birth listing example after example of all these super women giving birth while quickly squatting down in the bush somewhere. Yes, I’m sad and bitter about my experience and I am still looking for answers. Again, this is not the book’s fault, but still…it would have been nice if this anthology focused more on real stories than the author’s own agenda.
Midwifery in Australia – especially in the small country towns and even the remote outback – is even more fascinating. I thought the stories of all of the midwifes in this anthology were very interesting.
Sadly, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the book stayed too much on a surface level and resisted to dig a little deeper in order to be more real. There is something about the way that Aussie midwifes is written that doesn’t sound quite genuine to me. In my opinion the stories were very heavily curated in order to fit a certain agenda:
Promoting empowerment of women through natural birth
Before you ask what’s wrong with trying to empower women let me tell you: There isn’t! The question is just if pushing the agenda of natural birth no exceptions made is the right way. Of course we know that natural birth without assistance and interventions is preferable from every stand-point but the book made it sound like natural birth was easy: Just let the women know they can do it and let them trust their bodies!
For me personally, the contrary was true: Much agony and trauma could have been avoided if problems were recognised early and assistance (intervention) offered swiftly. Instead I felt my needs were dismissed and even neglected by some of the midwifes on shift during the birth of my baby. Don’t worry, we’re both fine and my daughter was born healthy but I still feel traumatised from my birth experience half a year later.
I just wish that the book would have acknowledged women like me who couldn’t give birth naturally more. I understand that I probably read the book with a personal need to be understood or to better understand what happened to me and it’s not the book’s fault that it couldn’t deliver on that. However, it made me very sad and tired that it went on and on with preaching and pushing natural birth listing example after example of all these super women giving birth while quickly squatting down in the bush somewhere. Yes, I’m sad and bitter about my experience and I am still looking for answers. Again, this is not the book’s fault, but still…it would have been nice if this anthology focused more on real stories than the author’s own agenda.
March 20, 2018
Really enjoyed the stories in this book. Love how real and inspiring it is
December 3, 2022
This is the first non-fiction book I have read from this author. I really enjoyed it and celebrated with her & the other midwives, the wonderful care & support they offer to birthing Mums. How the experience of childbirth has been able to change & develop over the years.
The book looks at many aspects of birthing. Not all pregnancy & birthing experiences leave us living babies. It I is never a happy experience however when managed well, doesn’t need to be quite as devastating. Time can be spent with the bub, cuddling, talking, caring & spending time to say goodbye.
Fiona has presented all these aspects, likely only as another Mum & also a midwife can. I give this 4.5 🌟
The book looks at many aspects of birthing. Not all pregnancy & birthing experiences leave us living babies. It I is never a happy experience however when managed well, doesn’t need to be quite as devastating. Time can be spent with the bub, cuddling, talking, caring & spending time to say goodbye.
Fiona has presented all these aspects, likely only as another Mum & also a midwife can. I give this 4.5 🌟
November 29, 2025
I didn’t expect much of this random book I picked up from the library, but it ended up being the best resource to support me in preparing for my first birth. While not conventionally a “what to expect when you’re expecting” kind of book, I found the stories so inspiring. The book ultimately shifted my perspective from fearing birth & labour to having full faith in my midwives to support me in having a positive birth experience (which I ended up having!). I loved reading this so much, I’ve also gifted it to another pregnant friend and would definitely recommend it to others.
January 4, 2023
There were some really great stories in this book. Some of them were very interesting and made me not want to put the book down however there were a couple that weren’t as exciting. I especially liked the stories of the midwives working in Torres Strait and the stories that involved the women arriving by boat from PNG. A great read for mothers, mothers to be, fathers, fathers to be and women and men in general. I take my hat off to midwives all around the world.
January 10, 2023
Beautiful stories from amazing Australian Midwives! Wanted to read more. I absolutely love getting into the shoes of others and seeing all that they do and face with in everyday life. I always considered being a midwife but this was something else entirely. Beautiful.
January 14, 2019
Such a real and emotional read. Midwives are amazing
June 29, 2019
Expanding my choice of books and biographies. It's surely an eye opener for me to a profession that I know nothing about.
December 14, 2019
A lovely collection of stories of various midwives who give us so much to aspire to.
February 24, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. I have read some of Fiona's novels and hearing these real life stories was amazing. This would be a great book for anyone thinking of getting into midwifery.
March 5, 2020
Interesting but more birth stories and information about the places the midwives worked would have interested me more.
December 18, 2022
A really fascinating and interesting look into the lives of Aussie Midwives.
April 22, 2023
A beautiful encouraging book - trust the thing when you need a lift!!
May 30, 2016
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
This collection of stories about Australian midwives couldn’t come at a better time than for Mother’s Day. The role of midwives in looking after mothers from conception to birth and beyond is something that should be inherently built into society. This non-fiction work unpacks some of the roles of midwives around Australia.
For me, this had a lot of backstory of each of the midwives so that you got a good feeling for who they were as people, as well as within their jobs. I would have loved to have more about the actual mothers and children. Every birth story is different, and I have a strange fascination with reading about them.
It’s fascinating how many different midwifery roles there are – in a plane, a tiny fishing shack or somewhere else remote. That’s the wonder of working in Australia – there’s always some odd place that a nurse or midwife will find herself going.
All of this was very birth positive, and trying to put women back in control of their bodies. After all, birth is a process which has been taking place for years without medical intervention. Midwives are there to put the brakes on obstetricians that want to force a baby – even if that shouldn’t be their role.
I don’t know whether I can give this stars. It’s non-fiction, and its very enjoyable. It will leave people smiling. That being said, I have a feeling it is more written for women than men. That was such a sexist thing for me to say, but I don’t think most men are comfortable thinking about child-birth, as evidenced by the number of fainting husbands there were in this novel!
This collection of stories about Australian midwives couldn’t come at a better time than for Mother’s Day. The role of midwives in looking after mothers from conception to birth and beyond is something that should be inherently built into society. This non-fiction work unpacks some of the roles of midwives around Australia.
For me, this had a lot of backstory of each of the midwives so that you got a good feeling for who they were as people, as well as within their jobs. I would have loved to have more about the actual mothers and children. Every birth story is different, and I have a strange fascination with reading about them.
It’s fascinating how many different midwifery roles there are – in a plane, a tiny fishing shack or somewhere else remote. That’s the wonder of working in Australia – there’s always some odd place that a nurse or midwife will find herself going.
All of this was very birth positive, and trying to put women back in control of their bodies. After all, birth is a process which has been taking place for years without medical intervention. Midwives are there to put the brakes on obstetricians that want to force a baby – even if that shouldn’t be their role.
I don’t know whether I can give this stars. It’s non-fiction, and its very enjoyable. It will leave people smiling. That being said, I have a feeling it is more written for women than men. That was such a sexist thing for me to say, but I don’t think most men are comfortable thinking about child-birth, as evidenced by the number of fainting husbands there were in this novel!
April 29, 2016
It is often the doctors that get the kudos for the safe arrival of babies into the world, but in reality it is, and always has been, the midwives who are the true heroes of not just birthing but also pre and post natal care of women all around the world. It was nice to read a book dedicated to such an amazing profession.
From the huge hospitals of our major cities, to tiny clinics in the remotest of locations midwives are an ever present force in health care. It was interesting to read that midwifery has gone through many changes over the years - from the full medicalisation of the 1950s and 1960s, to the more balanced approach that is available today which includes such things as birthing centres (both within and outside of hospitals) as well as midwives who are completely independent operators. Some support and advocate for home birth, others prefer the hospital environment, but the one thing they all have in common is the absolute desire to help women have a positive, nurturing birthing experience.
Aussie Midwives is a wonderful collection of stories about different midwives written by successful fiction author and midwife Fiona McArthur. Although the daughter of a midwife and thus fairly familiar with what birthing entails, I am still in awe of these women (and men) who undertake such a huge responsibility on a daily basis. It was wonderful to read something that celebrates this ancient profession and to know that so many dedicated and passionate professionals continue to undertake this special job.
From the huge hospitals of our major cities, to tiny clinics in the remotest of locations midwives are an ever present force in health care. It was interesting to read that midwifery has gone through many changes over the years - from the full medicalisation of the 1950s and 1960s, to the more balanced approach that is available today which includes such things as birthing centres (both within and outside of hospitals) as well as midwives who are completely independent operators. Some support and advocate for home birth, others prefer the hospital environment, but the one thing they all have in common is the absolute desire to help women have a positive, nurturing birthing experience.
Aussie Midwives is a wonderful collection of stories about different midwives written by successful fiction author and midwife Fiona McArthur. Although the daughter of a midwife and thus fairly familiar with what birthing entails, I am still in awe of these women (and men) who undertake such a huge responsibility on a daily basis. It was wonderful to read something that celebrates this ancient profession and to know that so many dedicated and passionate professionals continue to undertake this special job.
November 25, 2019
My little hopeful-future-midwife-heart really enjoyed this anthology!
April 28, 2016
A cosy peek into the practice of midwifery, and somewhat of an acquired taste depending on where your interests lie. The most absorbing stories came from those stationed in remote and regional locations, where childbirth can be a challenge and the risks are very real.
October 27, 2023
So good!! I love the updated stories too!
December 12, 2023
Once again wrote a review, only to have it disappear!!
Frustrating!!!
I score this 4.5 stars 🌟.
Frustrating!!!
I score this 4.5 stars 🌟.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews