To thinking asking mothers educational level at booking appointment is shaming

[Ivybutterfly]

At my midwife booking appointment I was asked what age I left full time education. I remember the same question last time. They ask whether you have a degree or not. I found it rude and inappropriate. It is also irrelevant. I just sucked it up. My DH on the other hand was raging. He said it was shaming and disgusting. I agree. I think I am going to complain. Why so they ask such a rude question which has no relevance to pregnancy?

They collect information for statistical data.

You don't have to answer, but it isn't rude or 'shaming' for them to ask.

refuse to answer.
and ask for that to be noted.
complain in writing higher up the chain.
where do the forms originate. there may be some small print at the foot. write to them.
good luck.

They are very firm. And they don’t say it is for statistics. Why is it relevant what educational level a mother has? They don’t ask if you go in for other kinds of treatments.

Did they ask about the dad as well, seeing as he was there?

Why is it a rude question? What’s shaming about it?

Is it so they can work out if you are able to read and understand the written information that they give you.

They did not ask about the dad! His educational levels don’t matter apparently.

I agree, OP. None of their business, completely irrelevant to your care.

@HepLaurenceLB I find that offensive if true. My children are in single figures and they can read.

@HepLaurenceLB

Is it so they can work out if you are able to read and understand the written information that they give you.

Don’t be ridiculous, you don’t need a high level of education to be able to read

There's a fair few studies that show poorer maternal and child outcomes for women with fewer years of education.

It's part of their early screening programme to identify women who are at higher risk of less favourable outcomes.

Like others have said, you don't have to answer, but it's definitely not a shaming tactic!

@burritofan by asking they are saying it matters.

I agree OP. You should complain.

There is a correlation between the mother's educational attainment and baby's birth weight. Before complaining, please do some research.

Your husband's reaction is over the top, and more indicative of his own views? Is he ashamed of your (or his) level of educational attainment?

So they know where they need to start offering various education.

For example if 75% of mothers educated at high school level dont breast feed, but 20% of mothers who are college educated don't breast feed, then they know that they need to target education about breast feeding in high school. Same with people who didn't plan babies, failed contraception, smoking while pregnant etc.

It's relevant. Higher educated= less risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and other things I can't remember. They're not asking to shame you, they're asking to ensure they provide best care for you and baby.

Being able to read and being able to fully comprehend concepts are two very different things.

It's not shaming but you feel ashamed by it. Two different things.

@justchecking1 My husband has a ton of education and letters after his name. He was the one who said it was shaming and I breathed a sigh of relief, because it is. Education is not a level of someone’s intelligence either. I know plenty of educated twats.

Higher educated= less risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and other things I can't remember.

Can you provide a source for this?

I kinda do think it's a little relevant. Its an indicator of how much knowledge you have of biology. Although I dont think they use it for that, but I imagine if you said you left school at 12 she would hopefully make sure you understand what your body's going to do and stuff.

Lots of factors correlate with the mother's educational attainment. A quick Google shows studies into child mortality, nutrition, education outcomes for starters.

@Hayeahnobut wow. We both have degrees and my husband has gone further than one. Funny how your prejudice came out there.

Your husband might have a lot of letters after his name but he’s still a nitwit if he thinks this is shaming. It matters for all the reasons stated above by PP.

Its an indicator of how much knowledge you have of biology.

It isn’t. I have a Master’s degree and my knowledge of anything other than History and literature is pretty shoddy. That’s not a good enough reason, IMO.