Yes, the babies born on Call the Midwife are real newborns. The popular historical drama is known for its authentic portrayal of childbirth, a significant aspect of which involves using actual infants for the scenes.
The Use of Real Infants in Filming
To achieve the show's renowned realism, the production team relies on genuine babies rather than dolls or special effects for most birth scenes.
Here's how it works:
- Age of the Babies: The infants featured in the show are typically very young, ranging up to around 8 weeks old. This ensures that their size and appearance accurately reflect a newborn.
- Number of Babies: A large number of infants are involved in each series to accommodate filming schedules and individual baby needs. Approximately 60 to 70 babies are used across a single series of Call the Midwife.
- Baby Welfare Protocols: The safety and comfort of these tiny actors are paramount. Strict guidelines are followed on set:
- Babies work in very short increments, typically 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
- The set environment is carefully managed, kept quiet and comfortable, to prevent any stress or discomfort for the infants. This meticulous approach allows the series to maintain its high level of authenticity while prioritizing the well-being of the newborns.
