Farewell to the East End (43 page)
Read Farewell to the East End Online
Authors: Jennifer Worth
IT IS FINISHED
The exodus of the traditional Cockney people affected the Sisters’ practice, especially when the docklands became ‘smart’. Newcomers did not know, nor particularly want to know, about the nuns. The National Health Service and the fashion of going into hospital to have a baby reduced their midwifery practice considerably. The advent of the Pill in 1963 brought it to an end altogether. Women, for the first time in history, had control over their own fertility, and the birth rate plummeted. Throughout the 1950s the Sisters had delivered around 100 babies per month. In the year 1964 that number had dropped to four or five.
The Sisters, who had done so much to help the very poor in the slums of Poplar, were no longer needed.
They had come to Poplar in 1879, when there was virtually no medical or nursing care, and their dedication and self-sacrifice had saved the lives of thousands of poor women. They were known and loved by everyone living in the area, but in the brave new world of modern technology, the nuns suddenly seemed absurdly old-fashioned. The history of these heroic women was forgotten.
This may seem a sad outcome. But the Sisters were first and foremost a religious order living under monastic vows in the service of God, and they did not look at it that way. A century earlier they had been called to nurse the sick and deliver the babies of those who could not afford medical attention. This vocation they had faithfully carried out for nearly 100 years. If the poor no longer needed them, they had fulfilled their mission and they were well pleased. ‘It is finished,’ were Christ’s last words from the cross. A life’s work fulfilled and finished is a triumph.
The nuns closed their nursing and midwifery practice and turned to other work – drug abuse, shelter for the homeless, working with the deaf, helping Asian women to integrate into British life, and in the 1980s they started working with AIDS patients. They continue to do these and other tasks into the new millennium.
In 1978 Nonnatus House was closed after ninety-nine years of service to the people of Poplar. The Sisters removed to the Mother House, to await God’s calling for work – they knew not what or where. They left quietly and with no fuss. Perhaps only the local clergy and a handful of older people were aware that they had gone.
And here my tale ends, with the closure of Nonnatus House.
THE END
GLOSSARY
This glossary by Terri Coates MSc, RN, RM, ADM, Dip Ed.
Afterbirth
. Also known as the placenta (see below). It is called the afterbirth because it is expelled from the womb after the baby has been born.
. Also known as the placenta (see below). It is called the afterbirth because it is expelled from the womb after the baby has been born.
Amniotic fluid
. The water that surrounds a baby in the womb.
. The water that surrounds a baby in the womb.
Antenatal
. The term used to describe the whole of pregnancy from conception to the onset of labour.
. The term used to describe the whole of pregnancy from conception to the onset of labour.
Anterior presentation
. The back of the baby’s head in labour will normally be in the front or anterior part of the mother’s pelvis. The anterior presentation is the most favourable for the baby to adopt for a normal delivery.
. The back of the baby’s head in labour will normally be in the front or anterior part of the mother’s pelvis. The anterior presentation is the most favourable for the baby to adopt for a normal delivery.
Asphixia pallida
. A newborn baby that has become very pale (grey/white) because there is no attempt to breathe and the heartbeat has become dangerously slow.
. A newborn baby that has become very pale (grey/white) because there is no attempt to breathe and the heartbeat has become dangerously slow.
Atelectasis
. An incomplete expansion of lobules (clusters of alveoli) or lung segments may result in partial or complete lung collapse. The collapsed tissue, unable to perform gas exchange, allows unoxygenated blood to pass through it unchanged, producing hypoxemia (deficient oxygenation of the blood). Atelectasis can be present at birth (incomplete expansion of the lungs), or during adulthood (from a collapsed lung). Prognosis depends on prompt removal of any airway obstruction, relief of hypoxia, and re-expansion of the collapsed lobule(s) or lung(s).
. An incomplete expansion of lobules (clusters of alveoli) or lung segments may result in partial or complete lung collapse. The collapsed tissue, unable to perform gas exchange, allows unoxygenated blood to pass through it unchanged, producing hypoxemia (deficient oxygenation of the blood). Atelectasis can be present at birth (incomplete expansion of the lungs), or during adulthood (from a collapsed lung). Prognosis depends on prompt removal of any airway obstruction, relief of hypoxia, and re-expansion of the collapsed lobule(s) or lung(s).
b.d.
The medical shorthand used as an instruction on prescriptions to mean twice a day. From the Latin
bis die
.
The medical shorthand used as an instruction on prescriptions to mean twice a day. From the Latin
bis die
.
Cervix
. The cervix is the neck of the womb or uterus.
. The cervix is the neck of the womb or uterus.
Caesarean section
. An operation to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen
. An operation to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen
Chloral hydrate
. Chloral hydrate was a mild sedative and analgesic used in the early stages of labour. The drug was given as a drink with either water and glucose or fruit juice. Chloral hydrate is an irritant to the stomach and often caused vomiting, so is no longer used.
. Chloral hydrate was a mild sedative and analgesic used in the early stages of labour. The drug was given as a drink with either water and glucose or fruit juice. Chloral hydrate is an irritant to the stomach and often caused vomiting, so is no longer used.
Contraction
. A contraction is the intermittent tightening of the muscles of the uterus (womb) which are painful during labour.
. A contraction is the intermittent tightening of the muscles of the uterus (womb) which are painful during labour.
Cord presentation
. The cord is palpable at cervix through the intact membranes.
. The cord is palpable at cervix through the intact membranes.
Crown
. The top of the baby’s head, usually the first part of the head to emerge. When the top of the head emerges it is said to crown.
. The top of the baby’s head, usually the first part of the head to emerge. When the top of the head emerges it is said to crown.
Crowned
. When the widest diameter of the baby’s head is at the vaginal opening during delivery the head is said to have ‘crowned’.
. When the widest diameter of the baby’s head is at the vaginal opening during delivery the head is said to have ‘crowned’.
Curette
. A surgical instrument that comes in different sizes and shapes that is used to scrape away unhealthy or unwanted tissue.
. A surgical instrument that comes in different sizes and shapes that is used to scrape away unhealthy or unwanted tissue.
D and C
. Dilatation and curettage (D and C) is an operation to remove any pieces of placenta or membrane from the uterus to prevent further bleeding or infection.
. Dilatation and curettage (D and C) is an operation to remove any pieces of placenta or membrane from the uterus to prevent further bleeding or infection.
Dates
. The date that the baby is due.
. The date that the baby is due.
Eclampsia
. Eclampsia is a rare and severe consequence of pre-eclampsia. It is characterised by convulsions and is an infrequent cause of death of a mother and unborn baby.
. Eclampsia is a rare and severe consequence of pre-eclampsia. It is characterised by convulsions and is an infrequent cause of death of a mother and unborn baby.
Ergometrine
. Ergometrine is an oxytocic drug which makes the muscle of the uterus contract after delivery.
. Ergometrine is an oxytocic drug which makes the muscle of the uterus contract after delivery.
Eve’s rocking
. An outdated method of resuscitation. Chest compressions are more effective and are used with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
. An outdated method of resuscitation. Chest compressions are more effective and are used with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
External Cephalic Version (ECV)
. Rotating the unborn baby or foetus into a position more favourable for a normal delivery.
. Rotating the unborn baby or foetus into a position more favourable for a normal delivery.
Exsanguinate
. Extensive blood loss. Possibly fatal.
. Extensive blood loss. Possibly fatal.
First stage of labour
. The first stage of labour is from the start of regular painful contractions until the cervix (neck of the womb) is fully open.
. The first stage of labour is from the start of regular painful contractions until the cervix (neck of the womb) is fully open.
Forceps
. Forceps are used to gently hold tissue during an operation or surgical procedures.
. Forceps are used to gently hold tissue during an operation or surgical procedures.
Full term
. The length of a pregnancy is nine months (forty weeks). Full term is considered to be thirty-eight to forty-two weeks of pregnancy.
. The length of a pregnancy is nine months (forty weeks). Full term is considered to be thirty-eight to forty-two weeks of pregnancy.
Fundus
. The top of the uterus.
. The top of the uterus.
Gamgee
. Absorbent tissue.
. Absorbent tissue.
Gas and air machine
. Gas and air was a popular form of pain relief for labour. The air has now been exchanged for oxygen, but the term ‘gas and air’ is still used. The ‘gas’ too has changed over the years: the ‘gas’ in current use is nitrous oxide.
. Gas and air was a popular form of pain relief for labour. The air has now been exchanged for oxygen, but the term ‘gas and air’ is still used. The ‘gas’ too has changed over the years: the ‘gas’ in current use is nitrous oxide.
Gestation
. The gestation is the number of weeks of pregnancy.
. The gestation is the number of weeks of pregnancy.
Gluteous muscle
. The gluteous or gleuteous maximus muscle is the large muscle in the bottom.
. The gluteous or gleuteous maximus muscle is the large muscle in the bottom.
Higginson’s syringe
. A type of flexible syringe with a long nozzle usually used to administer enemas.
. A type of flexible syringe with a long nozzle usually used to administer enemas.
IM
. Intra-muscular or into the muscle.
. Intra-muscular or into the muscle.
IV
. Intra-venous or intra-venous infusion may be more commonly known as a drip (in this case blood).
. Intra-venous or intra-venous infusion may be more commonly known as a drip (in this case blood).
Lobeline
. A respiratory stimulant.
. A respiratory stimulant.
Left side
. Positioning women on their left side for delivery was popular for a while. Women are now encouraged to choose the position for delivery that is most comfortable for them. The left side or left lateral position is rarely used.
. Positioning women on their left side for delivery was popular for a while. Women are now encouraged to choose the position for delivery that is most comfortable for them. The left side or left lateral position is rarely used.
Menorrhagia
. Excessive menstrual blood flow.
. Excessive menstrual blood flow.
Nurse
. Title of nurse is now rarely used for or by midwives. Midwifery is an entirely separate profession. Many midwives were trained as nurses, but this dual qualification is now less common.
. Title of nurse is now rarely used for or by midwives. Midwifery is an entirely separate profession. Many midwives were trained as nurses, but this dual qualification is now less common.
Obstetric forceps
. Forceps used to grasp the foetal head to facilitate the delivery in a difficult labour.
. Forceps used to grasp the foetal head to facilitate the delivery in a difficult labour.
Occipital protuberance
. Or occiput is the back of the baby’s head.
. Or occiput is the back of the baby’s head.
Os
. The opening of the cervix which leads into the womb.
. The opening of the cervix which leads into the womb.
Otitis media
. Inflammation or infection of the middle ear.
. Inflammation or infection of the middle ear.
Oxytocic drugs
. Drugs such as Oxytocin or Ergometrine that make the muscle of the uterus contract after delivery and are used to either assist the delivery of the placenta or control bleeding after delivery of the placenta.
. Drugs such as Oxytocin or Ergometrine that make the muscle of the uterus contract after delivery and are used to either assist the delivery of the placenta or control bleeding after delivery of the placenta.
Paediatrician
. A doctor who specialises in the care of children.
. A doctor who specialises in the care of children.
Peritoneum
. The lining of the abdominal cavity.
. The lining of the abdominal cavity.
Pathology lab
. Laboratory where samples of blood would be sent for confirmation of infection.
. Laboratory where samples of blood would be sent for confirmation of infection.
Pethidine
. A drug used for pain relief in labour.
. A drug used for pain relief in labour.
Perineum
. The area of skin between the vagina and the anus.
. The area of skin between the vagina and the anus.
Phthisis
. Tuberculosis of the lungs. No longer in scientific use.
. Tuberculosis of the lungs. No longer in scientific use.
Pink eye
. Conjunctivitis is also known as ‘pink eye’, an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the membrane that covers the eye.
. Conjunctivitis is also known as ‘pink eye’, an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the membrane that covers the eye.
Pinards
. A simple trumpet-shaped stethoscope used by the midwife to listen to the baby’s heartbeat before birth.
. A simple trumpet-shaped stethoscope used by the midwife to listen to the baby’s heartbeat before birth.
Pitocin
. An early proprietary brand name for an oxytocic drug used for induction of labour or treatment of uterine inertia.
. An early proprietary brand name for an oxytocic drug used for induction of labour or treatment of uterine inertia.
Pituitrin
. A hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which helps enable lactation. The hormone also stimulates contraction of the uterus and was formerly used to help to induce labour.
. A hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which helps enable lactation. The hormone also stimulates contraction of the uterus and was formerly used to help to induce labour.
Placenta
. Also known as the afterbirth. The baby’s life-support system supplying the baby with oxygen and nutrients and removing waste products while he/she is growing in the womb. The placenta also produces essential hormones during the pregnancy.
. Also known as the afterbirth. The baby’s life-support system supplying the baby with oxygen and nutrients and removing waste products while he/she is growing in the womb. The placenta also produces essential hormones during the pregnancy.
Postnatal
. The time immediately following a birth when a midwife would continue to care for the mother and baby.
. The time immediately following a birth when a midwife would continue to care for the mother and baby.
Post-partum delirium
. A postnatal mental condition now known as puerperal psychosis. The less severe form is called postnatal depression.
. A postnatal mental condition now known as puerperal psychosis. The less severe form is called postnatal depression.
Pouch of Douglas
. A small pouch-shaped area situated behind the uterus and in front of the rectum.
. A small pouch-shaped area situated behind the uterus and in front of the rectum.
Pre-eclampsia
. A disease that is peculiar to pregnancy. The symptoms are: high blood pressure, protein in the urine and oedema (swelling).
. A disease that is peculiar to pregnancy. The symptoms are: high blood pressure, protein in the urine and oedema (swelling).
Primigravida
. A woman pregnant with her first baby.
. A woman pregnant with her first baby.
Prolapsed cord
. Occurs after the membranes have broken and the cord is found outside the uterus.
. Occurs after the membranes have broken and the cord is found outside the uterus.
Restitution of the head
. A normal corrective movement of the baby’s head during delivery to bring it back into natural line with the shoulders.
. A normal corrective movement of the baby’s head during delivery to bring it back into natural line with the shoulders.
Second stage
. The second stage (of labour) is the time when the neck of the womb or uterus is fully open, and the mother starts to push until the delivery of the baby.
. The second stage (of labour) is the time when the neck of the womb or uterus is fully open, and the mother starts to push until the delivery of the baby.
Special diet
. It was thought that a restricted diet and restricted fluid intake would improve the symptoms of pre-eclampsia. It has now been proved that these restrictions had no effect upon the course of pre-eclampsia and are no longer practised. Pre-eclampsia is treated with rest and drug therapy.
. It was thought that a restricted diet and restricted fluid intake would improve the symptoms of pre-eclampsia. It has now been proved that these restrictions had no effect upon the course of pre-eclampsia and are no longer practised. Pre-eclampsia is treated with rest and drug therapy.
SRN
. State Registered Nurse.
. State Registered Nurse.
Staphylococcus aureus
. A bacterium that is commonly found on human skin and mucosa (lining of mouth, nose, etc.). It lives completely harmlessly on the skin and in the nose of about one-third of normal healthy people.
. A bacterium that is commonly found on human skin and mucosa (lining of mouth, nose, etc.). It lives completely harmlessly on the skin and in the nose of about one-third of normal healthy people.
Staph infection
. Staphylococcus aureus can infect wounds during or after childbirth or during surgical procedures. These infections may become serious.
. Staphylococcus aureus can infect wounds during or after childbirth or during surgical procedures. These infections may become serious.
Third stage
. The third stage of labour is the time from the delivery of the baby to the end of the delivery of the placenta (afterbirth) and control of bleeding.
. The third stage of labour is the time from the delivery of the baby to the end of the delivery of the placenta (afterbirth) and control of bleeding.
Transverse lie
. Where the baby lies across the mother’s womb (instead of parallel to the mother’s spine) and so cannot descend through the pelvis for a normal birth.
. Where the baby lies across the mother’s womb (instead of parallel to the mother’s spine) and so cannot descend through the pelvis for a normal birth.
Unstriped muscle
. An outdated term for smooth muscle.
. An outdated term for smooth muscle.
Volsellum forceps
. Forceps designed to hold the cervix during gynaecological procedures.
. Forceps designed to hold the cervix during gynaecological procedures.
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