Hard Pushed

Reviews / Votes

Leah Hazard describes the challenges and dedication of those working in the NHS. The stories in Hard Pushed highlight the bravery of our midwives, and the women they care for. -- CHRISTIE WATSON, author of THE LANGUAGE OF KINDNESS A 'love letter' to midwives everywhere - which brings the maternity ward to life in all its gory, humorous and touching glory. * Telegraph * Heart-rending, inspiring and funny, Hard Pushed brings alive the world of midwifery in all its complexity and radiates love and respect for women, even in the most frantic and anxiety-ridden moments. -- Professor Lesley Page CBE, former president of the Royal College of Midwives You will laugh, cry and not quite believe what you read. I loved every word. * Sun * Part hymn to the strength of the pregnant and labouring women and part "warning shot, a battle cry" for a system in crisis... Abundant heart-warming and moving birth stories... Her tone is deeply reassuring... not only powerful but well-written too.' * Daily Express * With respect, humour, exasperation and affection, she tells stories of the women she has helped through the intense physical and mental work of labour . . . Powerful and provocative. * Sun on Sunday * A riveting read: heartwarming and heartbreaking. -- Sheena Byrom OBE, midwifery consultant and author of Catching Babies It is a story beautifully told, intelligent and eloquent, that brings alive the fascination of midwifery, and radiates love and respect for women . . . Thank you Leah for telling our story so well. * Midwifery Digest * Hard Pushed charts a midwife's most personal moments of triumph and devastating loss in a way that expands our understanding and gratitude to them. Leah Hazard's 'microdoses' of love are exactly what we need at a time of transforming intensity. It is her capacity to love and give so personally to the many thousands of women she has worked with which imbues this book with its power. -- JULIA SAMUEL, author of GRIEF WORKS A beautifully written, intimate portrait of the extraordinary work that midwives carry out each and every day. -- Caroline Elton, author of ALSO HUMAN: The Inner Lives of Doctors A fascinating book, packed with stories from the front line. * i news * Captures the universal love, fear, despair and hope that underpins humanity. Leah's dedication to women within a system that's crushing midwives transforms the everyday stories of childbirth into a page-turning testament to the power of compassion. -- Rebecca Schiller, author of Your No Guilt Pregnancy Plan and Chief Executive of Birth Rights