Male midwife

[WifeOfAGemini]

Hi I just wondered how many of you experienced care from a male midwife, and what did you think about it?

I had a sweep done by a male midwife, they did check that I was happy for him to do it instead of a female midwife and I agreed because I didn’t want to make a fuss. My logic at the time was that he won’t be able to do his job properly if everyone says no to letting him do procedures.

This can’t be a serious comment. The lack of any real thinking is astounding. Lesbians. Wtaf has that got to do with it? 😂😂😂😂😂🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

It was a student male midwife who noticed that my sister was becoming distressed when my mum was in labour with her. He most probably saved my sisters life.

All of the midwives I’ve had have been female but when things went wrong the consultants and surgeons were all male. At that point anyone could have wandered in and had a look. I wouldn’t have minded a male midwife.

I've had two male midwives. One wasn't great at all and I asked to swap, which was done without any issue. He was very abrupt and made me feel uncomfortable.

The second was wonderful. His mum was a midwife, as was his sister. He stayed on late (and got told off) as I was right in the midst of finally pushing at the end of his shift after a tricky labour. He was very clear that I could say no to him, that he wouldn't be offended if I did and another midwife would be found without any fuss. He was also very clear I could change my mind about him at any point. He was also the midwife in all 5 of my labours that asked permission the most for things and was the one of explained what he was doing the most.

I just had 2 male doctors! Would never have considered saying no! Not much difference between them and a midwife really. They just need to do their job.

You cant work it out. = Not a problem

You have no idea of what safeguarding means.

You feel compelled to roll out homophobia?

You do you.

Men have no business being midwives or obstetricians. IMO.

I wouldn’t want a man doing any of those if I had a choice to be honest. And it’s not for religious reasons as someone suggested up thread. I’m just not comfortable with it.

In have to admit, I’m always curious why male doctors, who could pursue any area of medicine, choose obstetrics

I didn’t have one but it wouldn’t bother me.

I had a male surgeon come and do my stitches - 2nd degree in the end but the midwives weren’t sure so had the surgeon come and take a look, and then because it was nearly 3rd degree, he said he’d stitch it. I didn’t mind.

I had a male midwife on my first. His shift ended 30 minutes before my baby was born but he asked me if I’d mind if he stayed till the end. 30 years later I still remember him.

The best gynecological and maternity/ post natal care I have received has been from male staff. Issues regarding heavy painful periods actually taken seriously and investigated and treated by male gynecologist after years of "yes, that's what been a woman is, periods can be heavy and painful" from several female gynecologists.

My miscarriage bleeding actually taken seriously - 2 hemorrhages. Went to EPAU, sent to gynecologist as very heavy hemorrhage, First female gynecologist just went "yes, that happens it will stop in a couple of hours" luckily shift change happened and male gynecologist comes on shift, straight away he said this shouldn't be happening and treated me. Had another hemorrhage a bit later and straight away treated again.

My emergency c- section was done by a male surgeon. He visited my bedside afterwards, came to see me in the postnatal ward at the end of his shift. Came to see me the next day and insisted that the physio therapist came to see me. I was the only woman in the post natal ward (4 others with emergency c-sections but under different consultants) who got any physiotherapy and a visit from the physio. Everyone else got a leaflet.

I think there is a big difference between a male midwife and a male gynaecologist or other doctor or even nurse. The Midwife role to me is very different. It's not about the examinations per se - its labour itself. It's a unique vulnerability. I can completely understand why many women would not want a male midwife.

I don't think I would mind, as I would think like 'if he's seen one (fanny) he's seen them all.' But I totally understand some women saying no. And I respect their decision. There are all sorts of reasons, and not just religious ones...

Had a male obstetrician/gynacologist - incredibly experienced and he recognised me instantly as he had treated my grandmother 10 years prior and saved her life, he asked after her and I had to say she had passed away 18 months prior. I felt lucky to have a doctor of such experience, his sex was irrelevant

Who gets this level of choice when there’s a shortage of midwives? As long as babies are safely delivered it’s not that important who the midwife is. With the poor care that’s been happening in some maternity units I’m sure many mums and dads just want someone competent. A kind competent man is just as good. Why cannot men be caring?

Imagine someone coming on here and saying 'I am always curious why women pursue careers like firefighters, lorry drivers, builders, electricians, mechanics etc...'

Because why not?!

I agree. I don’t care, but I think any woman who asks for a female HCP should be given one without question or fuss.

Oh yes, definitely!

Had a male midwife during one of my births and he was one of the best I’ve encountered. Extremely respectful, caring and gentle.

You can’t be that ignorant, surely? You must be trying to have a dig at those women who’ve been sexually abused and so don’t want an unknown bloke repeatedly at their cervix during a stressful and sensitive time.

No I wouldn’t have a male midwife and would also prefer a female doctor or surgeon.

It isn’t any pregnant women’s responsibility to ensure a man has enough training opportunities.

Hmmm, should we have turned down the female urologist who specialised in Male Factor Infertility? The same woman, who after examining my husband testicles and reading out his sperm count told him, in these exact words ‘unfortunately you’ll never father children’? Surely, she had no business dealing with that? Not just because she was totally wrong.

Also, if people don’t like the fact some women will decline and cause inconvenience because they have a history of sexual assault or past trauma.

Why not be angry at the MEN that abuse and treat so many women this way, to the point where so many do not feel comfortable with other males caring for them intimately??

There’s a difference between saying “I think it’s fine for men to have those roles” (which is what that poster was saying) and “all women should have to put up with it with no say at all and no right to request a female” which is not what that poster was saying, and in fact she said the opposite a couple of posts above yours!