the moments when midwives become temporary family members. Hospital corridors become memory lanes.
Memory prompt: Think back to your birth experiences - either your own children or perhaps when you supported someone else. Write about:
The midwife who made you laugh between contractions
That endless walk up and down the corridor
The terrible hospital tea that somehow tasted amazing
The sound of other babies crying down the hall
The moment you realised the gas and air wasn't quite as magical as everyone claimed
Journal exercise: Document your NHS journey:
Your first memory of visiting hospital
The kindness of strangers in scrubs
That nurse who brought you an extra blanket at 3am
The porter who told terrible jokes while wheeling you to the ward
The relief of hearing "everything's fine"
Birth stories to capture:
The dash to the hospital (and inevitable parking drama)
The birthing playlist that you carefully created but completely ignored
The moment you realised hospital nighties aren't exactly haute couture
The way time seems to move differently in delivery suites
The tea and toast after delivery that tastes better than any Michelin-starred meal
Remember the details:
The squeaky shoes on shiny corridors
The buzz of the vending machine at midnight
The particular shade of NHS blue
The way the ward sounds change from day to night
That distinct hospital smell that's somehow reassuring
Write about the changes you've seen:
From "fathers in the waiting room" to partners being essential birth supporters
The introduction of birth centres and home birth options
How technology has changed (from one grainy scan photo to 4D videos!)
The evolution of birthing choices and attitudes
Don't forget the funny moments:
The birth plan that went completely out the window
The relative who got lost in the hospital corridors
The midnight fire alarm that had everyone waddling to the assembly point
The dad who fainted (there's always one!)
These aren't just medical experiences. They're deeply human moments. In these moments, strangers become supporters. Professionals become friends. Corridors become catwalks for new lives entering the world.
What's your most memorable NHS moment? The time when you realised this incredible, imperfect, essential service is something worth treasuring? I gave birth during the 90s. From my first in 91 to my last in 98 I saw lots of changes.
While you're writing, think about all the NHS staff working through another Christmas. They bring new lives into the world and care for those already here. Maybe that's worth writing about too?
As January approaches I am thinking about continuing my efforts to provide memoir writing tips and journal prompts. They will support your efforts to keep writing in 2025 and mine too.
