HEARTBEAT

HEARTBEAT is a series full of the emotion and larger-than-life stories of families who face one of the biggest turning points in their lives – the birth of a child. From pregnancy through delivery, we join in the joy, anxiety and emotion of expecting couples. Can a workaholic father finally give time to his family? How does the wife of a sailor cope with raising their children alone? Can a wannabe rock star get his life back on track? A new child changes the family. But are the parents willing to change? Follow couples as they experience hope, fear and anticipation before the big day.

Produced by Aito Media (2011)

Episode 1
The Ölanders have attended more check-ups than most because their previous pregnancy terminated prematurely. Their midwife is now doubtful about their baby’s calm heartbeat. Kaisa is offered different types of pain relief, but her husband Tommy knows that she only wants the epidural anaesthesia. Will Kaisa get it before it’s too late? The young parents of the Ingves family concentrate on being together and get ready to deliver their second baby. Nicke tries to find the balance between fatherhood and his demanding work schedule. Susanna’s fear gets bigger after the due date is way over.

Episode 2
The Ingves birth starts suddenly. Nicke learned his lesson the first time around and keeps his distance from Susanna in the clinic. Susanna doesn’t need comforting when in labor pain. Leevi, now a big brother, has to get used to his new role. Leevi’s misbehavior and the fussy baby are making Susanna’s temper rise. The Andbergs are getting ready to give birth in the safe environment of their own home. Linda wants to bring her second child into the world as naturally as possible. Linda has taken all precautions during her pregnancy, controlling her diet and practicing relaxation exercises. A pool for the delivery is being prepared in the bedroom.

Episode 3
The Andbergs’ home birth in the pool is about to begin. As Linda’s contractions are closer together her husband Benjamin, her midwife, and her sponsor are helping the best they can. Nevertheless, Linda wants to deliver her baby into the world as much by herself as possible. Janette and Wellu’s surprise baby has brought the rough life style couple closer to each other. The rock ‘n roll dad’s official tour bag is filled with different size baby clothes. Wellu is worried about a gig that is almost on the due date of the baby. What if the delivery starts when he is on stage?

Episode 4
The rock ’n roll couple from the previous episode is now taking nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas), in turns in the delivery room. While the couple are expecting a baby girl, their child gives them quite the surprise! Gigs change to dirty diapers and the parents re-evaluate their lifestyle. Daniela didn’t want to have children before she met Marcus. As the due date is approaching, the couple prepares for the addition to their family. Daniela goes on maternity leave and packs the baby bag for the hospital as Marcus is struggles to install the baby seat in the car. Waiting continues as the due date arrives: will the baby’s delivery start on its own?

Episode 5
Daniela and Marcus arrive to the maternity clinic but delivery doesn’t begin until 12 hours after Daniela’s water broke. Daniela understands that something is wrong as the baby’s heartbeats fade remarkably. Will the baby survive the birth and what happens after that? The Vanhala family waits impatiently for the birth of the new baby. Krista became pregnant right after their first baby was born and now she is feeling overwhelmed. As she is waiting, Krista finds out if she could be sterilized right after the birth.

Episode 6
Impatiently waiting for the delivery, the Vanhala family heads to Tammisaari hoping can induce labor. The fast but rough delivery is hard on Krista. Does the couple get their wish for sterilization? At the Lehtos, while sailor Mikko’s busy career is calling, Minna is left alone to take care of the family’s two daughters and the home. Mikko comes up with a solution so that the family can be together.

Episode 7
Minna suffers from big contractions but the delivery won’t seem to start without perforating the membranes. Used to life on the sea, Mikko stays on the home front after the birth. How does a sailor handle every day routines with three small children? Paula has gone through the deepest times of depression but through her husband Johnny and the awaited baby, her life is on the right track. Although the baby will be the best part, being alone is raising concern. Also the effect of the depression medicine on her baby is worrying Paula.

Episode 8
The President of Finland visits the maternity clinic. Paula’s baby is in no hurry to be born although her water broke more than 24 hours ago. After birth, there is no relief to Paula’s depression so she decides to seek help. Baby’s father Johnny now knows the meaning of his life. Floorball, music, Scouts and other activities keep Carina and Marcus busy while waiting for their baby. Studying to be a midwife, Carina knows both the joys and pains of birth. The couple visits the maternity unit.

Episode 9
Carina and Marcus deliver their first-born to the sounds of meditation music. Delivery pain surprises Carina. At home, the new parents start getting used to the life that no longer revolves around their many hobbies. The couple learns to function as a family. They are also celebrating Marcus’s 30th birthday. Heidi and Jani got married four months before the baby’s due date. The couple’s life is overshadowed by Jani’s sometimes three-day long work shifts and their disagreement over whether this baby will be their last. Will Jani make it to celebrate his son Hugo’s 5th birthday?

Episode 10
Heidi has decided to have a Caesarean section. For her, two boys is enough but Jani is hesitant over any final decisions. He spent the first years of his first-born’s life working around the clock and now he wants to enjoy fatherhood fully. Will he manage to put his family first this time? Katja, who gave up her dream to be a professional dancer, is planning a future in dance for her fourth child. However, father Ville would like his son to have a more “masculine” hobby. The couple wants to deliver the baby before Christmas and as the contractions grow stronger, they head to the maternity clinic. But the doctor doesn’t think their wish will be granted.

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