One Born Every Minute

The importance of strong family values is the theme running through this week’s One Born Every Minute. But the two families and their values are so very different. Mel (20) and James (21) want to prove they can be good parents themselves even though they both had a poor start in life. Mel had an unsettled childhood living in the care system from an early age, but her life turned around when she went to live with her foster mum, Jean, who has been a powerful and positive influence. Mel now regards Jean as her real ‘mum’ and wants her to be her birthing partner along with boyfriend James. James went off the rails as a youngster following the loss of his younger brother and has been to prison three times, but has stayed out of trouble for over a year and is determined to be a better person in future. Jean has had her doubts about James and reminds him of his responsibilities more than once during Mel’s labour. Leah (23) and Richard (27) are Mormons who met at church. They’ve been married for 4 years. Leah says at school other girls had dreams of becoming professionals - teachers, doctors or lawyers – whereas her sole ambition was always to be a mother because “family” is so important. They already a daughter called Faye who’s 18 months old, but this time they’re having a boy. Richard doesn’t say much except that he is adamant the baby should be called Richard. Richard’s father’s name was also Richard and he’s unshakable in the view that his boy should continue the family tradition even though Leah is not at all sure...