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Memoirs of an Urban Midwife #1
Midwife: A Calling
From the author of BABY CATCHER.
When Peggy Vincent first found herself holding a naked baby in her bare hands as a student nurse in 1962, she never dreamed the path her life would take as a result of that accidental catch.
Countless births followed. Hippies, lawyers, teenagers, welfare moms, marijuana growers, smugglers, spiritualists, Orthodox Jews, neurologists, Christian Scientists, Muslims, the rich and the poor...this list scratches only the surface of her diverse clientele.
Told with warmth, humor, and sincerity, these tales will resonate with all those who remain as enchanted as Peggy by the unique art of giving birth.
When Peggy Vincent first found herself holding a naked baby in her bare hands as a student nurse in 1962, she never dreamed the path her life would take as a result of that accidental catch.
Countless births followed. Hippies, lawyers, teenagers, welfare moms, marijuana growers, smugglers, spiritualists, Orthodox Jews, neurologists, Christian Scientists, Muslims, the rich and the poor...this list scratches only the surface of her diverse clientele.
Told with warmth, humor, and sincerity, these tales will resonate with all those who remain as enchanted as Peggy by the unique art of giving birth.
Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2015
197 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Peggy Vincent
15 books40 followersSince observing the birth of a baby for the first time when I was a 19yo nursing student in the mid-Sixties at Duke University, childbirth has been my primary focus.
During the good old hippie years, my husband and I took an extended trip to Europe, but upon our return, I began working as an obstetrical nurse at a prominent hospital in Berkeley, California, where my first 2 children were born.
In 1978, I established the Alternative Birth Center in that hospital and then went to midwifery school, graduating in December 1980.
Unable to obtain hospital privileges due to dig-in-the-heels obstruction from obstetricians to the mere idea of a midwife in their midst, I attended only home births for the next 3 year. Finally, after I jumped through countless hoops, the walls of resistance crumbled and I was granted privileges. At last I could offer clients a midwife-attended birth in the place of their choosing.
Women can take a long time to give birth, and while waiting through those countless hours, I told birth stories. Family, friends, nurses, other midwives all nagged me to write a book." The most persistent was my college roommate, a copy editor, who offered to edit it for "no payment other than California Meyer lemons for life."
So I wrote Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife (Scribner, 2002), and it succeeded beyond my wildest hopes and dreams. Not only did it open women to options other than those offered by the status quo, but it also caused a career change in many women who, after reading the book, chose to become doulas or midwives themselves.
I was 42 and a busy midwife with a very big practice when I gave birth to my 3rd child. He was born at home surrounded by what felt like a cast of thousands. Present were my 2 older children, my husband, the 2 youngest children of my primary midwife, 2 other midwives, 3 of my hospital nurse friends, my parents, our pregnant au pair, a photographer, a few stray husbands, I think maybe a neighbor...there might have been more. Afterwards, we had quite a party, and I made sure someone saved me a piece of the hazelnut torte.
My career would not have been possible without the support of my husband, Roger, and those three children of ours: Colin, Jill, and Skylar. They endured (with minimal complaint and eye-rolling) my absence on far too many Christmas mornings and other family events.
Years passed with fans and friends begging for "another book." I finally wrote Midwife: A Calling (Ant Press 2015), the first of a projected 3-book series.
I'm officially retired, but I still put in a cameo appearance now and then.
Attending births is an addiction: once you've shared the raw emotion of labor with a woman, the transcendent joy of birth, and the feel of a warm, wet newborn in your hands, it's hard to kick the habit.
I hope I never do.
During the good old hippie years, my husband and I took an extended trip to Europe, but upon our return, I began working as an obstetrical nurse at a prominent hospital in Berkeley, California, where my first 2 children were born.
In 1978, I established the Alternative Birth Center in that hospital and then went to midwifery school, graduating in December 1980.
Unable to obtain hospital privileges due to dig-in-the-heels obstruction from obstetricians to the mere idea of a midwife in their midst, I attended only home births for the next 3 year. Finally, after I jumped through countless hoops, the walls of resistance crumbled and I was granted privileges. At last I could offer clients a midwife-attended birth in the place of their choosing.
Women can take a long time to give birth, and while waiting through those countless hours, I told birth stories. Family, friends, nurses, other midwives all nagged me to write a book." The most persistent was my college roommate, a copy editor, who offered to edit it for "no payment other than California Meyer lemons for life."
So I wrote Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife (Scribner, 2002), and it succeeded beyond my wildest hopes and dreams. Not only did it open women to options other than those offered by the status quo, but it also caused a career change in many women who, after reading the book, chose to become doulas or midwives themselves.
I was 42 and a busy midwife with a very big practice when I gave birth to my 3rd child. He was born at home surrounded by what felt like a cast of thousands. Present were my 2 older children, my husband, the 2 youngest children of my primary midwife, 2 other midwives, 3 of my hospital nurse friends, my parents, our pregnant au pair, a photographer, a few stray husbands, I think maybe a neighbor...there might have been more. Afterwards, we had quite a party, and I made sure someone saved me a piece of the hazelnut torte.
My career would not have been possible without the support of my husband, Roger, and those three children of ours: Colin, Jill, and Skylar. They endured (with minimal complaint and eye-rolling) my absence on far too many Christmas mornings and other family events.
Years passed with fans and friends begging for "another book." I finally wrote Midwife: A Calling (Ant Press 2015), the first of a projected 3-book series.
I'm officially retired, but I still put in a cameo appearance now and then.
Attending births is an addiction: once you've shared the raw emotion of labor with a woman, the transcendent joy of birth, and the feel of a warm, wet newborn in your hands, it's hard to kick the habit.
I hope I never do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 17, 2016
Well, I'm the author, so my vote doesn't count.
But I like it, I like it!
But I like it, I like it!
March 29, 2016
What a wonderful and uplifting book this is. It deals with the wonder and miracle of birth and Peggy Vincent's warmth and love of her job and willingness to go the extra mile for her patients shines from every page. I have usually shied away from midwifery books but I’m so glad I read this and will be looking forward to more from Peggy. She describes her student days and how she felt drawn to obstetrics realising this was the area in which she wanted to specialise. Eventually after much extra study she became a ‘Certified Nurse Midwife’ which wasn’t always an easy path. She has dealt with doctors who regarded themselves as ‘superior. I have to say she dealt with them admirably being a woman of great character. She feels very strongly that women should have a much greater degree of choice when it comes to giving birth and is in favour of home birthing wherever possible. The book also describes the changing ideas regarding birth from having no fathers present and a high degree of medical involvement where the doctor’s word was law!
Each chapter deals with a different birth and she very cleverly interweaves her own personal story alongside the stories of the women she has assisted. We learn of breech births and the attendant risks. There are stories which show us the way people from different cultures and traditions approach birth which are absolutely fascinating. What a wonderful profession she has and how compassionate and kind she is with all her ladies. There is shock, drama, humour and medical details in abundance which makes this memoir educational as well as entertaining. I can’t wait for more from Peggy Vincent – highly recommended!
Each chapter deals with a different birth and she very cleverly interweaves her own personal story alongside the stories of the women she has assisted. We learn of breech births and the attendant risks. There are stories which show us the way people from different cultures and traditions approach birth which are absolutely fascinating. What a wonderful profession she has and how compassionate and kind she is with all her ladies. There is shock, drama, humour and medical details in abundance which makes this memoir educational as well as entertaining. I can’t wait for more from Peggy Vincent – highly recommended!
October 8, 2015
Peggy Vincent's writing voice achieves what all us writers hanker for so badly: the reader forgets s/he's reading, that these are someone's words, someone's thoughts, because the story—stories, in the case of MIDWIFE: A CALLING—being told is just so darn good. Mixed in with Peggy's own stories are those of nurses and doctors and patients and families and coworkers that she's interacted throughout her years as, first, a nurse and then, finally, a midwife, and all these vignettes come together to paint a portrait not only of the OB profession and its tumultuous changes over the last four decades, but also of womanhood. We see women growing through the years, feminism taking a stronger hold and producing women that challenged the status quo—much as Peggy did herself, even before breaking ranks and switching over from OB nurse to midwife—and, in doing so, revolutionized the precepts of women's health. In an age when, again, women's rights are being questioned and put on the auctioning block, books and stories like these are not just relevant but necessary. Especially when told in such an easy, reader-friendly way that's both humorous and sensitive and heartwarming in the deepest, most basic senses. Thank you for writing this book, Peggy. It's a pleasure to read. And I'm very much looking forward to the next one.
June 22, 2016
I loved this Memoir - just couldn't make it last any longer - what a fab read - great writing - love the Author's sense of humour & her wit - bucket loads of it in this book - took me right back to the 70s/80s when I had my two sons… Having someone there - who 'gets-it' and 'listens' + provides comfort & love and is sooo knowledgeable is unbelievably vital AND at a time when trying to get thru the 'mire' to be taken seriously as a midwife must have been like trying to find 'hens teeth'… So enjoyed learning about all the women she helped and about her colleagues at the time. Looking forward to reading more from Peggy Vincent.
February 18, 2021
Enlightening
So very well written and great stories. Interesting to see the evolution of childbirth through the years. Was also intriguing to see the similarities and differences we women are when we go through labor. A good read.
So very well written and great stories. Interesting to see the evolution of childbirth through the years. Was also intriguing to see the similarities and differences we women are when we go through labor. A good read.
July 10, 2015
An amazing book, I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book to beta read.
I love medical memoirs and I certainly LOVED this! Peggy Vincent is the author of the renowned 'Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife', written quite some years ago-this is a brand new book about her experiences. If you loved Jennifer Worth's 'Call The Midwife'-this book is for you! I've read Jennifer Worth's trilogy, really enjoyed it and thought this might be a bit 'samey'-it wasn't at all as this book covers a different period to the one I've just mentioned, starting in the early 60s so there's something different. It starts with her student days in 1962-and by 1967 she is specialising in Obstetrics. I've seen an online interview somewhere where it asks her why she writes chapters consisting of individual cases rather than weaving throughout the book-I love this method though! It's so easy to follow! The book starts with her own birth-good idea. It's really interesting about how the studying to be a nurse is explained. In their second year they interact with patients. Right from the beginning, it's gritty and affecting. There are some really interesting and unusual cases. This is an absolutely fascinating memoir; I've read lots of medical memoirs yet I've never heard of a case like one of those mentioned before-it just made me hungry to read more. It was gripping-a must read! The scenarios are perfectly described, even with the different accents expressed, different quirks etc. I love the many brief chapters. I've never heard this expression of 'catching a baby' before-do we say it too in England? Is it a term most midwives use or just an American term? There's humour at a language gaffe and then it's astounding that some women, members of a woman's own family would tell her such shocking things. This is certainly an eye-opener; I thought I'd read up a lot on this subject but again, there's more to surprise me. And I'm going to say fascinating again! The chapter about breech babies/delivery. I have never heard of a baby so big before, this weight. It's amazing all she has seen, it's a great book, right up my street. This was so interesting, an absolute pleasure to read. She relates her stories in a nice easy style, no superfluous words, it flows along and you get an exact picture of what's going on. This really held my interest. I really, really, really enjoyed it! She has some lovely memories, and some funny and heart-warming stories. Can you imagine seeing a few thousand births! That is a lot! Each brief yet comprehensive chapter is a different scenario or case study and it's very well put-together. There's a nice chapter on foods at the home birth venues, some amusing anecdotes then some more humour with the placenta anecdotes! Also some very interesting info of different rituals concerning the placenta, different countries and cultures. What an amazing book, I loved it. The good news is this is 'Book 1'-there are more to come-I can't wait, I will certainly be reading them!
I received a free copy of this book to beta read.
I love medical memoirs and I certainly LOVED this! Peggy Vincent is the author of the renowned 'Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife', written quite some years ago-this is a brand new book about her experiences. If you loved Jennifer Worth's 'Call The Midwife'-this book is for you! I've read Jennifer Worth's trilogy, really enjoyed it and thought this might be a bit 'samey'-it wasn't at all as this book covers a different period to the one I've just mentioned, starting in the early 60s so there's something different. It starts with her student days in 1962-and by 1967 she is specialising in Obstetrics. I've seen an online interview somewhere where it asks her why she writes chapters consisting of individual cases rather than weaving throughout the book-I love this method though! It's so easy to follow! The book starts with her own birth-good idea. It's really interesting about how the studying to be a nurse is explained. In their second year they interact with patients. Right from the beginning, it's gritty and affecting. There are some really interesting and unusual cases. This is an absolutely fascinating memoir; I've read lots of medical memoirs yet I've never heard of a case like one of those mentioned before-it just made me hungry to read more. It was gripping-a must read! The scenarios are perfectly described, even with the different accents expressed, different quirks etc. I love the many brief chapters. I've never heard this expression of 'catching a baby' before-do we say it too in England? Is it a term most midwives use or just an American term? There's humour at a language gaffe and then it's astounding that some women, members of a woman's own family would tell her such shocking things. This is certainly an eye-opener; I thought I'd read up a lot on this subject but again, there's more to surprise me. And I'm going to say fascinating again! The chapter about breech babies/delivery. I have never heard of a baby so big before, this weight. It's amazing all she has seen, it's a great book, right up my street. This was so interesting, an absolute pleasure to read. She relates her stories in a nice easy style, no superfluous words, it flows along and you get an exact picture of what's going on. This really held my interest. I really, really, really enjoyed it! She has some lovely memories, and some funny and heart-warming stories. Can you imagine seeing a few thousand births! That is a lot! Each brief yet comprehensive chapter is a different scenario or case study and it's very well put-together. There's a nice chapter on foods at the home birth venues, some amusing anecdotes then some more humour with the placenta anecdotes! Also some very interesting info of different rituals concerning the placenta, different countries and cultures. What an amazing book, I loved it. The good news is this is 'Book 1'-there are more to come-I can't wait, I will certainly be reading them!
July 23, 2015
I devoured this book, just like I did with Baby Catcher! Peggy's story telling is simple, with a touch of humor. She's honest and informative. While she was not always a fan of hospital policies and the way things were/are done, she doesn't demonize or revere any form or place of birth. She's done and seen it all and I cannot wait for more stories from her! I feel like if I were to be in a situation needing to deliver a baby I'd know enough basics to get the job done now. If it were possible I'd love for her to deliver this baby I'm pregnant with! Well done Peggy!
September 3, 2015
I love memoirs and in particular midwifery memoirs. I am a midwife and love reading other midwives experiences especially the differences in working in another country. This book is set in the US and I live in New Zealand. I particularly loved the short, concise chapters making the book easy to read, gave variety and interest. The book shows the different settings a midwife works in, the challenges and the wonderful, beautiful job that midwifery is
February 14, 2016
I love Peggy's book Baby Catcher. I was hoping this new book would have the same tone and style - she did not disappoint. The chapters were standalone stories that made for great reading during breaks at work and just before falling asleep. There were quite a few times that I found myself nodding or laughing.
I'm greatly looking forward to the next book in the series.
I'm greatly looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 11, 2016
Midwife: A Calling is a great human interest story. The author's love of bringing new life into the world jumps off the pages and grabs you. If you haven't witnessed the miracle of birth, Peggy Vincent's stories are the next best thing.
July 20, 2015
I couldn't put this book down. This would make a wonderful addition to anyone's library containing books on parenting and birthing.
I love the birth stories.
I love the birth stories.
October 2, 2015
Such an amazing memoir about the joys and surprises of birth! Made even better by personally knowing the amazing author!
December 6, 2016
Wonderful stories from my friend and midwife Peggy Vincent!
January 16, 2021
Wonderful true stories of chilbirth
I have admired Peggy Vincent for years! This book presents childbirth in it's natural state with WOMEN caring for women giving birth. I am in awe of the Author's vast knowledge, compassion and beautiful heart. As an RN BSN who was a home health nurse in the same communities that Mrs. Vincent frequented, I loved re-living visits to peoples homes and the relationships I had with my patients. Thanks to the author for her good works and for the wonderful books.
I have admired Peggy Vincent for years! This book presents childbirth in it's natural state with WOMEN caring for women giving birth. I am in awe of the Author's vast knowledge, compassion and beautiful heart. As an RN BSN who was a home health nurse in the same communities that Mrs. Vincent frequented, I loved re-living visits to peoples homes and the relationships I had with my patients. Thanks to the author for her good works and for the wonderful books.
June 28, 2018
I loved this book. As a former L&D nurse it was fun to read stories from a time before what I experienced. I grew tired very quickly of feeling like I couldn’t take the best care of patients for the massive amount of charting required about everything for legality. Just in case of a lawsuit . We spent so much time charting that it sounds like I would have loved it a lot more when you could just take care of people.
April 1, 2018
Understanding a midwives roll
I liked the fact I could put this book down in between chapters. Each chapter told a story of its own. Often they were pretty amusing stories. I was surprised the midwives have secrets to help in birth and they have time to use them when a doctor might not. It helps people make the choice.
I liked the fact I could put this book down in between chapters. Each chapter told a story of its own. Often they were pretty amusing stories. I was surprised the midwives have secrets to help in birth and they have time to use them when a doctor might not. It helps people make the choice.
December 30, 2022
These were very interesting. They didn’t give as much insight into the average birth as Ina May Gaskin’s book, but hers is a guide and this is a memoir. I’ll probably get the others she’s written, too. In this day and age, where I’ve only once seen even kittens being born online and nothing ever being born live, it’s probably good to get familiar with the range of expected experiences.
December 13, 2023
A wonderful and witty memoir that any birthworker could enjoy and gain knowledge from. I wholeheartedly believe our best learning comes from listening to stories, and Peggy Vincent shares a wealth of midwifery wisdom throughout this book!
April 3, 2018
Loved it
The mini stories are lighthearted and fun to read and good learning for a new labor and delivery nurse on the floor
The mini stories are lighthearted and fun to read and good learning for a new labor and delivery nurse on the floor
May 6, 2018
Delivering babies
This was a fun read. Delivering babies is almost always a joy for all involved and made this book a great read
This was a fun read. Delivering babies is almost always a joy for all involved and made this book a great read
June 29, 2018
Peggy
A lovely book about about Peggy and the babies she delivered she was truly a lovely lady who cared about her babies and there mammys definitely a 5 stars for a wonderful read
A lovely book about about Peggy and the babies she delivered she was truly a lovely lady who cared about her babies and there mammys definitely a 5 stars for a wonderful read
May 19, 2023
A hilarious "Dr Leslie-like" memoir of a nurse who pursued midwifery after working in L&D.
December 14, 2023
In Awe
Beautiful stories! I couldn’t pull myself away! The honesty, vulnerability, and care shown is beautiful. It has me wondering if I should consider becoming a doula.
Beautiful stories! I couldn’t pull myself away! The honesty, vulnerability, and care shown is beautiful. It has me wondering if I should consider becoming a doula.
dnf
April 15, 2024DNF, stopped on page 108.
I just couldn't get into this one as much as I did Baby Catcher. Would love to revisit it one of these days, but at this point, I've taken 4 months to read half.
I just couldn't get into this one as much as I did Baby Catcher. Would love to revisit it one of these days, but at this point, I've taken 4 months to read half.
April 1, 2016
Peggy Vincent first entered the medical field as a young delivery room nurse. Years later, after being present at the births of many babies and witnessing all manner of amazing things, Vincent became a midwife. She attended home births, and later, attained hospital privileges, an unheard of thing at the time. "Midwife: A Calling" chronicles her many years of working with laboring women, told through a series of relatively short stories. Most of the stories are birth stories, telling about Vincent’s experience with a specific woman and a specific labor, while others are commentary on various aspects of birth work. The births cover the whole spectrum, from intervention-heavy hospital births to unmedicated natural births, peaceful home births to home births turned hospital transfers. All is told with grace and humility, and often a fair amount of humor. The length of Vincent’s career means that readers can get an amazing view of just how much birth has changed over the past several decades. Vincent’s true love for her chosen vocation shines through everywhere; it’s hard to not tear up (in the best way possible) during many of the stories. This book will be an inspiration to any reader lucky enough to pick up a copy.
Originally written for San Francisco Book Review.
Originally written for San Francisco Book Review.
December 4, 2015
I was reluctant to read this book because the subject was a painful reminder of my past losses; many miscarriages, and a stillbirth. I never experienced a joyous midwife catching a baby—a nurse who considered this to be her special calling. And, since I admire people who feel they have a mission to minister to others' needs, I decided to find out more about Peggy's strong impulse to follow this path. I'm glad I did.
Her enthusiasm for natural childbirth, and her colorful vignettes in hospitals and home settings burst with joy and surprise as she interacts with doctors, nurses, and families, and follows her personal dream to move from OB nurse to midwifery, and become more independent.
With each unique delivery, I'm reminded how fortunate those families were to have a spunky midwife like Peggy standing by, telling jokes, and sharing her donuts. Nice!
Her enthusiasm for natural childbirth, and her colorful vignettes in hospitals and home settings burst with joy and surprise as she interacts with doctors, nurses, and families, and follows her personal dream to move from OB nurse to midwifery, and become more independent.
With each unique delivery, I'm reminded how fortunate those families were to have a spunky midwife like Peggy standing by, telling jokes, and sharing her donuts. Nice!
October 5, 2015
Loved it! Birth stories are often full of numbers: a recounting of the timeline noting dilation and application of interventions along the way. (Contractions started at X:00, got to the hospital at X:00, dilation was x cm, two hours later dilation was x cm, got epidural at X:00, Pitocin at X:00… etcetera until “pushed for x minutes or hours” and then the weight of the baby.) Peggy Vincent’s stories are true stories, each one focusing on something that was amazing, challenging, funny, ironic, tender, unusual, or sweetly illustrative of the human condition about the birth. What a treasure Peggy is: such depth of experience coupled with a charming style of writing and great story-telling. I loved the book! We waited a long time for a followup to her first book. It was worth the wait!
March 2, 2016
This book took me just one sitting and I enjoyed it thoroughly. The author recalls her career as a midwife from her initial nursing degree to her retirement. She recalls her working life through a wonderful collection of vignettes describing mothers, babies and families. From laughing out loud to quiet reflection, her recollections are beautifully written and her empathy tumbles off each page. Historically, the memoir covers very dynamic and controversial times. Attitudes to natural childbirth and the validity of midwifery from the 1950s to the present day are highlighted as the book progresses. It is a wonderful journey.
June 2, 2020
Sensational Read
I laughed, I cried and at times I tried desperately to put the book down! But I couldn't. The stories are riveting and I couldn't get enough! The amount of care the author put into her work over the years as a nurse and midwife is just so.... Moving ! The care given and taken it just spoke to me. It's what you hope to receive anytime you enlist anyone in the medical field to care for you and yet it isn't always what is received. I am beside myself and still buzzing from the high that came with each story. It's just a beautiful collection really😊 and so beautifully told.
I laughed, I cried and at times I tried desperately to put the book down! But I couldn't. The stories are riveting and I couldn't get enough! The amount of care the author put into her work over the years as a nurse and midwife is just so.... Moving ! The care given and taken it just spoke to me. It's what you hope to receive anytime you enlist anyone in the medical field to care for you and yet it isn't always what is received. I am beside myself and still buzzing from the high that came with each story. It's just a beautiful collection really😊 and so beautifully told.
September 4, 2015
Another amazing book by Peggy Vincent!
I loved Peggy Vincent's first book, Baby Catcher, so much that I have read and reread it many, many times. I was so excited to learn that she had written a new memoir! Midwife: A Calling did not disappoint! More wonderful stories about the beauty of birth.. I can't wait for Book 2!
I loved Peggy Vincent's first book, Baby Catcher, so much that I have read and reread it many, many times. I was so excited to learn that she had written a new memoir! Midwife: A Calling did not disappoint! More wonderful stories about the beauty of birth.. I can't wait for Book 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews