male docs

[kittenstorm]

I know with staffing shortages its not always possible to request female only HCPs. However, I think I would feel actually scared of any men involved in my labour (DP aside). I dont' think I could trust them, put simply, not matter how nice they are. I think it would cause a proper fear reaction in me and slow labour down/complicate things. Also I would worry about feeling violated/degraded even long after baby is born I would keep remembering some strangers hands there, esp once resuming my sex life. I can't help having 'flashbacks' of smears done by women (the few times I've had the courage to go), so this really worries me. Anyone else feel/felt this way and how did you deal with it?

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childbirth/1138481-male-obs-midwives

This was posted recently and might help!

I feel exactly the same BTW! xxx

I've had 3 not a doc male or female in sight when it came to tending me, no male HCPs either.

HTH

Why not find a midwife lead unit...!!!???!!! but don't forget also get male midwifes.

Of course you might need a doctor and the only person on duty maybe male, remember at the end of the day, the most important thing is your baby arrives safely, i'm sure if push come to shove you would go with a male doctor.

When are you due? Might be worth chatting this over with a professional.

Best of luck

I had one male (apart from DP) in the room when I gave birth, but he was there to look after DS so wasn't at my 'business end'. It was fine.

Also when I collapsed during a miscarriage it was two male HCPs who sorted me out, removed the blockage and stopped the blood loss. Yes one of them was a bit more heavy-handed with the instruments than a woman might have been, but the other one was brilliant. Both were very respectful and professional. I kind of went into survival mode and they were dealing with body parts rather than sex organs if that makes sense. I didn't feel violated in the slightest.

I do wonder how it affects male HCPs sex lives though, seeing strangers fanjos all day in various states of distress, then going home and dealing with their partners bits in a romantic fashion.