The Lost Children of ‘Call the Midwife’s Fourth Episode

All this week’s storylines focus on the loss of children, both literal and metaphorical. Drama unfolds in Poplar when a newborn is stolen from the maternity home. Things escalate when test results show the baby has the chickenpox virus in his eyes, and without treatment, the infection could blind him. Sister Catherine, who was the last to put the baby safely in the nursery, blames herself for the kidnapping. Though distraught and guilt-ridden, she keeps calm and carries on, ending up playing a pivotal role in the baby’s safe return.

After symptoms of back pain and incontinence, a woman in her 60s gets the peculiar news that she was once pregnant, but the fetus became a lithopedion. She’s been carrying this “stone baby” for roughly thirty years. When she and her husband learn this, they are heartbroken anew, having wished for children. The show allows them to process their unexpected grief.

Last but not least, it’s time to say goodbye to Christopher. Not because his chemotherapy is complete, but because he’s simply not coping with the treatment well. The Turners weigh the options of sending him back home to his mother in Hong Kong. Shelagh is particularly devastated by this possibility, but they also worry about sending Christopher back with his dangerous father, still a consideration. As one would hope, things work out for the best, with Christopher’s interests being held paramount.