Call the midwife! Calendar recreates historic maternity scenes

Midwives recreated hospital scenes through the ages to pose for a stunning charity calendar. The team, from Southport and Ormskirk NHS Hospital Trust, sourced and dressed in uniforms from different eras of midwifery. The Midwifery - Through the ages calendar 2017 is now on sale. The amazing images were shot for free by photographer Jo Rutherford from West Lancashire. Photo locations included historic Dunham Massey Hall at Altrincham, Greater Manchester and the cobbled streets of Churchtown in Southport - to add extra realism to the shots. All proceeds will go towards the Southport and Ormskirk Maternity Bereavement Fund which improves the services to parents who have lost a baby. Midwife Heather Davies said: “We thought we’d do something a bit different to raise funds. We liked the idea for a calendar and then decided it would be fun to dress in the different eras of midwifery. “The midwives really got into the spirit of things sourcing uniforms and props. We held various photo shoots over the last year and we think the results are fantastic. The photographer has really captured midwifery from the 1900s to the present day.” Ormskirk hospital’s maternity unit supports the birth of more than 2,500 babies each year. Photographer Jo said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the midwives. I was approached this time last year to photograph them at Dunham Massey when it staged a First World War exhibition and we have worked together through the year. “I’ve been incredibly impressed with the time and effort the team have put into researching the eras, sourcing props and costumes and then attending photoshoots after working long shifts. This is obviously a cause that is very dear to them.” Funds raised will help redecorate the bereavement suite at Ormskirk hospital and develop a memorial garden. Lynne Eastham, Head of Midwifery and Nursing, added: “The Midwifery team at Ormskirk do not do anything by halves. They gave up their free time to create this calendar to help raise money for our Bereavement Fund. I’m very proud to work with such a dedicated team driven by their aim to provide the best care for families.” Calendars are priced £8.50 and are now available to buy on e-Bay.