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THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, from the co-host of the podcast WHAT THE MIDWIFE SAID
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No sleep for twenty hours. No food for ten.
And a ward full of soon-to-be mothers…

Midwives are there for us at some of the most challenging, empowering and defining moments of our lives. From heart-wrenching grief to the pure joy of a new-born baby, midwife Leah Hazard has seen it all.

But life on the NHS front line, working within a system at breaking point, is more extreme than you could ever imagine.

Moving and compassionate, funny and unexpected, Leah shares her experiences in this extraordinary love letter to new mothers and fellow midwives everywhere.
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‘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

‘Heart-rending, inspiring and funny, Hard Pushed brings alive the world of midwifery in all its complexity and radiates love and respect for women.’ PROFESSOR LESLEY PAGE CBE, former president of the Royal College of Midwives

‘It is Leah Hazard’s 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

‘Not only powerful but well written too . . . a worthwhile addition to a genre fast becoming as crowded as a busy maternity unit.’ DAILY EXPRESS

‘A riveting read: heartwarming and heartbreaking’ SHEENA BYROM OBE, midwifery consultant and author of Catching Babies

‘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

Publisher Review

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 * You will laugh, cry and not quite believe what you read. I loved every word. * Sun * 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 A 'love letter' to midwives everywhere - which brings the maternity ward to life in all its gory, humorous and touching glory. * Telegraph * 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