Overdue cover art

Overdue

Birth, Burnout and a Blueprint for a Better NHS

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Overdue

By: Amity Reed
Narrated by: Amity Reed
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About this listen

Amity Reed became a midwife to serve women, but the reality of working in overstretched and underfunded NHS maternity services soon shattered her illusions. She’s not alone - for every 30 midwives that train, 29 will leave the profession.

Overdue is both the devastating personal story behind the statistics, and a call for change in the NHS. Real-life stories capture the moments at the heart of midwifery: life, death, birth, tragedy, and joy and are embedded in a clear-sighted examination of what is working - and what isn’t - in maternity services.

The result is a book that asks - and tries to answer - questions that are at the heart of many people’s working lives: how can we follow our calling, provide for our families, and keep ourselves healthy, if the workplace and its systems are working against us?

©2020 Pinter & Martin (P)2020 Pinter & Martin Medical Medicine & Health Care Industry Policy & Administration Professionals & Academics Sexual & Reproductive Health Sexual Health Midwife Health

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All stars
Most relevant  
Amity's experience as an American on an NHS labour ward is heartfelt and illuminating. I could relate to the target-driven management-led oppression of a vocation that is part art, part science and mostly compassion mixed with a passion to do the job well.

I gained a new understanding about "burnout" and agree that too often workers are wafted away as somehow "emotionally weak" rather than being overwhelmed by underfunded, under-supported workplace practices. The patriarchal system at its worst.

Bravo Amity for shining a light on a subject that is all about women's needs.

Insight into the receiving end of labour

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This book highlights the current failings within not only maternity care but the NHS as a whole (this is acknowledged in the book). As a specialist nurse I can unfortunately relate to many of the concerns depicted. Beautifully written, the authors passion despite the difficulties she has faced shone through strongly. Some realistic strategies for improvement and advice for staff currently struggling provided.

My only criticism is that the role of the health visitor in supporting families was not acknowledged along with those identified as playing a key role.

Reflective of life working in the NHS

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This book is everything that needs to be said about the state of maternity services in the NHS.
Amity writes with raw and honest artistry, as we travel through the story of her awakening, her calling and the realisation of everything she is up against. A perfect balance of deeply personal insight and inspirational ideas, this is a must read.

A fierce and beautiful story of bravery

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As a previous midwife, this is so relatable and such a validating and comforting process to hear. The feelings I share are articulated so precisely.

Unbelievably relatable

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I really enjoyed this book, felt connection with the author and agreed with so much that she said 🙂

A prescription for the future of the NHS

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wow, emotional or what? This book sang to my heart. I don't think I've ever cried so much reading a book. Amity is so relatable. I was recommended this read as part of hypnobirthing training and I can't express how grateful I am that it was. Thank you so much for sharing your voice with us.

Every person should read this.

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This really is a dismal boring book, I am so upset I spent my credits on it. I 100% support the problems in the NHS as a midwife myself, but this book is just a big massive moan. No lighter moments just big words and same old same old story. We get it, but if your going to write a book at least make it entertaining rather than a statement in a meeting . This book is dull and it’s just a moaning, grumbling person, with no wit or personality. Soooooo many other books that tell you about life in the NHS with a more realistic and listenable story, one credit down the drain

Terrible

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