This is an incredible account of life as an NHS Midwife. Leah Hazard takes us through the highs and lows of her career, and boy were there highs, and were there lows! Some of the scenario's described in this book will stay with me for a very long time, such as the one describing the situation of the girl of Mandarin origin. I thought this book was fab, and a real tribute to Midwives everywhere. I had no idea of the job they do on a daily basis, and I take my hat off to each and every one of them.

I don’t read very much in the way of non-fiction, and this book has me wondering why the heck not! Not only did I find it a riveting read, but I found it really inspirational too.
Hard Pushed is part-memoir and follows the career of the author, Leah Hazard from her student days right through to present day as a fully qualified midwife. Chapters focus on cases of specific women, all of which in turn educate the reader on some element of the midwifery system. These chapters are then interspersed with ‘Notes on….’ chapters, which are essentially musings, opinions and anecdotes, either as a way of introduction or just because of its relevancy.
As a Mum of two (5 and 1) I can remember having my children very clearly. Midwives are goddesses sent from some fantastical being as far as I am concerned. Every single one I encountered was wonderful. I had two very different births; my first was very traumatic to the point where my husband thought he was going to lose us both (and my body felt as if it had lost a wrestling match with a tank), to my second where my daughter arrived in less than an hour and I was so undamaged that I felt perfectly normal just a day later. Those midwives who cared for us were just everything, and this book did nothing to dissuade me from this opinion. Quite the opposite in fact, I only hold them in higher esteem in the knowledge of what challenges they face.
The author’s narrative voice is incredibly likeable and held me captivated throughout. She brings home her point about the shortfalls of the NHS Midwifery service by demonstrating just how varied their role is, how much they are relied upon and the sacrifices they make. I love how unflinchingly honest she is, and how despite the frustrations and the limitations, Leah and other midwives like her and so incredibly committed to their job, and for doing the very best for women and their babies when they need them the most. I was concerned that it was going to be a very negative read and just a book which essentially moaned about how terrible things are – but it achieved transparency whilst remaining (on the whole!) positive and upbeat, which I feel made it all the more successful.
From the first to the very last page I was utterly captivated; I have laughed, I have cried and I am left with an even deeper respect for midwives and the wonderful jobs that they do. Truly inspirational – I highly recommend.

Authentic, awe-inspiring and absorbing, this sharing of a midwife’s working life is a must read for everyone. Humorous and poignant it explores what it’s like to be responsible for assisting new life into the world through the eyes of a dedicated midwife as she shares her experiences with the women she helps.

Midwifery has mystical connations, and if you have ever experienced the brutality and wonder of birth you understand why. I’ve experienced birth twice as a mother and once as a birthing partner, and this memoir brings it all back. The writing is informal but full of vivid imagery and genuine love and respect. It made me cry, laugh and remember.

I received a copy of this book from Random House Uk - Cornerstone - Hutchinson Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Honest, funny and heart breaking. The truth of the NHS and midwifery in todays day and age. Hard to bear at some places of book but I wouldn't change my decision to read it. I will be passing this recommendation along as soon as possible its a good read.

Leah is a Midwife who wants to tell the story of what really happens in a maternity unit. Under staffed, under appreciated and dealing with difficult patients and situations Leah shows that being a midwife isn’t all cuddling new babies! She clearly loves her job and wants the best for the women in her care but when you have so many people all needing your help at once with limited resources how do you cope. I loved this inside look at the problems and issues faced by NHS midwives, it pulled no punches, was raw and honest and an absolutely compelling read.
I read it in one day, I couldn't put it down. It was Joyful, funny and heart breaking.
Never underestimate the strength and courage it takes to be a midwife!

Hard Pushed is a compilation of short snippets, stories of the women who have come through the doors at an NHS hospital and been treated in triage or on the labour ward by Midwife Hazard. She writes honestly, informatively and emotionally about the thoughts that a midwife has when dealing with women in a wide variety of situations. Each story imparts something different – a new experience, thought or emotion, and there’s a running commentary on the pressures that a midwife is under, especially as the NHS becomes more overburdened.

We all know from the news – and perhaps from experiencing it ourselves as I certainly did during the birth of my son – that staffing problems are especially difficult in midwifery right now, but hearing it from a different angle – from an overworked midwife who genuinely cares about every single woman who walks through the doors, really brought home how this is impacting all the families involved. Will the right people take note of the plea for help in this book and make the changes we need to see? Will new midwives be given inspiration to keep going? Will young people want to pursue midwifery as a career? I hope so. And in that regard this is a book for everyone – from those still in school wondering if this might be a career option for them, to politicians to expectant or experienced mums and dads.

Nothing is glossed over here, no reality is too hard – from the teenager with PPROM, to the trafficked woman carrying a rapist’s baby, but it’s not all drama and complications. There are stories about the simplicity of birth and how easy it can be, about the ebb and flow of both life, and death. I’ve read countless birth stories – pouring over them before my son was born to prepare myself (thanks Type A + anxiety), and afterwards, reading and supporting the stories of fellow bloggers. I must have read hundreds of birth stories over the last few years so all of the terms and problems in this book were actually familiar to me – but until this book, I’d never read a birth story from the point of view of the midwife. I think reading about it from the other side helps put things into perspective and gives a bigger picture of childbirth.

I had an awful childbirthing experience, one which left me scarred both physically and mentally and ultimately helped seal my fate as a mum of one. As I read this book, I wish I’d had an opportunity to be treated by Leah Hazard and it made me realize I didn’t even know the names of the midwives who had treated me, despite what an important part they ultimately played in my sons beginning.

As a gentle trigger warning, this might be a hard book for women who have struggled during labour, so if reading or discussing birth stories upsets you, this would not be an easy read. For myself, although I had a very traumatic birth experience, I don’t mind reading about the birth experiences of others. If anything, it puts me at ease to realize that in the entire scope of childbirth – mine was somewhere in the middle, probably just one more emergency c-section for an overworked midwife who I could tell wanted the best for me, but who quickly rushed off to the next woman needing her attention. I feel reassurance that my story played out, just a tiny snippet in a myriad of lives – like all the stories in this book.

I found Hard Pushed a compelling read, an insightful glimpse behind the scenes and gained perspective on my own challenging birth experience by reading it. I would highly recommend it and give it five stars.

This book held my interest as I thought once upon a time that I might go down this route but it certainly opened my eyes as to just how much hard work it is. I know all medical staff work a lot of hours, too many in my opinion but I honestly think this memoir shows how we cannot work to the best of our abilities while under great pressure and understaffing. That said the story was enlightening and a joy to read in parts as every mother will understand when bringing life into this world.

Hard to forget. A warts-and-all exposé of life inside an NHS labour ward. Emotionally wringing, it hits home.

We all know that the NHS is stretched. Most of us accept that the people within it are doing the best they can under insurmountable odds and ever-changing goalposts. Leah Hazard takes us inside the stirring doors of the maternity suites, where tears are shed and lives are changed. And where midwives give their hearts and bodies to bring babies into the world safely.

For any parent, this is an affecting read. Having been in these wards twice, I could see that I had not really seen everything around me that staff were doing, and just how punishing a career it is.

Hazard takes us through the embarrassments and trials of the student midwife, then through case studies of various prospective mothers and their stories, some shocking, some moving, all very real. The story though isn't the mothers and their babies, but how the midwives supporting them work on their behalf constantly, even to their own physical and mental detriment.

I admit to breaking down a few times whilst reading this. It would be hard not to. Hazard's honesty and self-effacing style are impassioned and evocative. Her memories of long shifts, working through exhaustion and fever, queues of mothers with nowhere to be sent, running to stand still... it not only moves the reader but made me angry.

There were moments of lighthearted joy and delight as well. A colleague "recognised my Groundhog Day glaze when she came into the room" 'Same old sh*t, different shovel." These are professionals, struggling in a vocation that spits them out mercilessly.

I would consider this a rather important book for our government and health authorities to peruse, without needing to enter the hospital corridors themselves, they will soon understand the problems from Hazard's own experiences.

Don't read this expecting an Adam Kay 'This is Going to Hurt' laugh-fest... while there are a few moments of hilarity, the shock and sorrow, sweat and slog demonstrated here puts this in another category.

Hard to shake, this will leave you respecting the profession and its weary residents even more than we do already.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

This is an absolutely fascinating book from the point of view of a midwife. It was so interesting to read all of the case studies that were described, and follow the narrative of her experience while training and how her work continued from that.

What is clear from this book is that the job of midwife is not for the faint hearted and certainly not an easy one, not that I ever thought it was but in some ways it seems completely brutal. However the bigger picture shows what a rewarding career path this must be for someone who is committed to it.

I really admire the author for sharing these glimpses of her life with us and for finding the time to write a book at all! An inspiring read and an inspiring author.

Life on the NHS front line, working within a system at breaking point, is more extreme than you could ever imagine. From the bloody to the beautiful, from moments of utter vulnerability to remarkable displays of strength, from camaraderie to raw desperation, from heart-wrenching grief to the pure, perfect joy of a new-born baby, midwife Leah Hazard has seen it all.

'Hard Pushed' continues the trend of medical memoirs, this time following midwifery. This is no bad thing and only heightens my interest in said medical memoirs. This is very well written, informative and an entertaining read.

Hazard writes chapters that are notes on an aspect of midwifery and anecdotes from the delivery room. I enjoyed both and was interested in both. The only thing I would say is I would have liked more anecdotes. Having said this, the anecdotes chosen are very enjoyable and highlight different areas of midwifery.

'Hard Pushed' is a very realistic memoir and I enjoyed the portrayal of people from all walks of life. Of course, with any medical memoir there comes talk of the working conditions increase in demand, Hazard blends everything in well and I did not feel the book became too political, unlike other medical memoirs I have read.

'Hard Pushed' is a realistic, enjoyable and informative read concerning midwifery. I thoroughly recommend this read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for an advance copy.

This true story of NHS Midwife Leah Hazard gives the reader an insight into her world. Her style is easy to read and she never tries to confound you with jargon. Instead she focuses on the human stories of the women who are depending on her on a day they will never forget.

Leah does not shrink from telling of the difficulties facing the NHS. The midwives are overworked, there are not enough beds & there are times when they struggles to perform both physically & mentally. It is no wonder that the NHS struggles to recruit & keep their staff. However Leah's care for these women shine through.

I enjoyed reading this book. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me see Leah's world

This is not a cosy book about the wonders of childbirth, but a hands on, warts and all (literally in one instance!) account of what it is like to be a midwife in today's overburdened, underfunded NHS. It's a tribute to all those hardworking midwives and the stress they suffer due to understaffing, how they pick themselves up to carry on because, if they don't, lives will be at risk. It is also a cry for help, or a dire warning that this cannot go on. Also so well-written it is a pleasure to read, even though the subject matter is often harrowing. Not one to read if you haven't had children yet!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but I am glad I read it. It is a brilliantly funny account from a Midwife who has been working for the NHS for years and her love of the job really shines through in places.

It is very funny in places where the author writes about all the funny situations that occurred to her during her first couple of years of being a midwife.

I love that book, honesty, sensibility and it provides such a massive awareness about the hard work and the conditions for midwives.
I strongly recommend this book to understand the crucial roles these ladies play in our life.

I didn't click with the first 2 chapters at all - it just seemed like case notes. After leaving it for a couple of weeks I went back and got into Leah's personal journey. It was an interesting account and one that I could equate with other areas of nursing, having nursed for 45 years. I surmise that in all aspects of care we are responsible for lives, mistakes are made and burnout occurs.
This is not only midwifery but the NHS have created this for their qualified staff - as research progresses more care is given, budgets are cut but ever increasing demands are made..
Looking back to when I had my children and the care I had, although very good at the time, would not meet the standards of today and this is the story throughput the NHS. Leah has documented this plight through her personal experience and the effects on her and her family.
An interesting read.

A funny well written book that makes your heart jump with the stories of midwives. Their compassion is outstanding.

A well written account of life as a midwife in busy units giving a realistic picture of this experience. As an ex midwife I could appreciate both the good times and those that were a challenge. It is a real privilege to be looking after pregnant mothers, their babies and families and one to be enjoyed. A memorable read.

I really enjoyed this book. It was so interesting, I have read a couple of books prior to this, which were written by midwives, but they were as the profession was in the early days of the health service. This book is midwifery as it is now and gives a real insight into the highs and lows of the wonderful people who deliver our babies. It is very well written and I was drawn in right from the beginning. I highly recommend this book.

I really enjoyed this look into the life of an NHS midwife. No 2 shifts were the same & patients were from all walks of life.

Fascinating insight into the crazy world of individuals that give their all for very little reward

Over the past few years we've had a rash (sorry - no pun intended) of books by medical practitioners. Doctors have been at the forefront, but Hard Pushed is the first book I've seen by a midwife. It's an unusual profession in that it's one of the few callings within the medical system where most of the patients are healthy and the only one where one person comes into the system and (for the most part) more than one goes out. It's an amazing thing to be able to do - to escort new life into the world - and an enormous responsibility. Leah Hazard came to it after a career in television and Hard Pushed is the story of her career as a midwife - and the title tells more than one story.

We watch Leah as she completes her training and becomes a fully-qualified midwife working in the NHS. What quickly becomes obvious is that she's working within a system which is at breaking point, despite the best efforts of all the staff. She's used to going without sleep for twenty hours and even going without food for ten hours. It's a world of extremes: blood and bodily fluids are commonplace and clearing them up quickly is a valued skill, but then there's the beauty of a newborn baby and the joy of the parents. Women are seen at their most vulnerable, but Leah also sees remarkable displays of strength, heart-breaking grief and raw desperation.

We meet a few patients but they've been carefully selected to show how Leah never knew what she was going to encounter as she went into work each day. Eleanor is a miracle of modern science and the baby she and her wife are giving birth to is a feat of reproductive science. Then there's Crystal, pregnant at fifteen but the baby inside her, only just at the edge of viability, is threatening to come far too soon. Star is giving birth in a room heady with essential oils and the relaxation of the birthing pool. The atmosphere is one of love and joy until something intrudes into Star's psyche and hints at at past which was far from joyful. Pei Hsuan tells a tale of exploitation and people trafficking which has brought her from her native China to Leah's ward.

The story is told with love and affection: Hazard has a great deal of understanding of how the pregnant women feel and she makes allowances for their occasional bad behaviour. Her story is eminently readable: I finished it in one sitting, relieved that my child-bearing days were long behind me and appalled by the pressure which the staff in hospitals work under. It should not be like this and whilst it continues we will lose excellent staff who can no longer stand the pressure of a difficult job and the constant demands to do more.

I hope that doesn't make the book sound like a toil of a pleasure, as it's anything but. Hazard has a delightful sense of humour and the ability to paint a picture in remarkably few words. It was a real treat to read her story and I'd like to thank the publishers for making a copy available to the Bookbag.