Ep 5. Episode 5

Call the Midwife season 11 episode 5 revolves around the changing dynamics between mother and daughter and the challenges that come with it. The plot kicks off with a new mother-daughter duo moving into the Nonnatus house. Sister Julienne takes charge of the situation, and the new mother, Colleen, asks her to keep her daughter, Peggy, who suffers from a rare congenital heart defect, hidden from her husband.

As the story unfolds, the midwives struggle to keep Peggy's condition discreet while also trying to find a cure for her condition. Meanwhile, Trixie quietly juggles her responsibilities as a mother and a midwife while working to conceal her medical issues from her baby daughter.

The episode takes a reflective approach, as it shifts our attention to the role of women in society, particularly with regard to how they are underestimated and taken for granted. Sister Monica Joan's health continues to deteriorate, and she is hidden away in an upstairs room, seemingly forgotten by those around her.

Meanwhile, Nurse Crane reconnects with her past when an old school friend comes to call. She reflects on how her friend's life and choices significantly contrast hers and how she should have a better appreciation for herself and her sacrifices. The show highlights how women often put themselves last and strive to fulfill their familial and societal expectations without receiving much recognition.

In addition to the women's issues portrayed in the series, the episode also presents the continuing changes and advancements in the medical field. Peggy's condition brought the invention of a new piece of medical equipment, which Nurse Crane pilots to create better and quicker diagnosis, treatment, and care for children.

Overall, Call the Midwife season 11 episode 5 is an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking episode. It expertly balances the challenges facing women, the changes and advancements the medical field is undergoing, and the role of family in our lives. The episode is a great reminder to appreciate the remarkable work of women in our society, particularly midwives, who often go beyond their limits to help mothers bring new life into the world.