Two weeks in to her role as a Maternity Care Assistant, Emma has yet to see a natural birth in the hospital, but she's hoping second time mother Carly will be her first. Five days later, Carly is still waiting to give birth.

It's the start of another 13 hour shift for Emma. Her first job of the day is observations and her first patient is experienced mother Julie, who is in with her husband Kevin and their four children. Julie's previous births have all happened quickly, but will it be the same this time round?

Every week Emma is trained in different aspects of the job. This week she will receive bereavement training, one topic she hasn't been looking forward to. While Emma prepares for the training, veteran Maternity Care Assistant Val shares a personal story.

Next through the doors are Tara and her partner Lloyd, who have had had thirteen unsuccessful pregnancies over the last eight years. Tara has been given a cervical stitch to ensure that this baby is carried to term.

However, once in labour Tara suffers a cord prolapse, one of the most high-risk situations in child birth. The midwives and surgeons must act quickly to ensure the baby survives.