‘’There are many men who could provide a great contribution to this industry.’’ Stuart Hislop (Scotland’s first Male Midwives)
The year of 1975 was really important for the male representatives who wanted to be male midwives. Until the passage of the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975, the law regarded midwifery as a female-only occupation. Thankfully times have changed, law has changed and prejudice has hopefully changed too. 45 years later midwifery is still one of the most gender-segregated jobs.
Male midwives still make up a small proportion of the profession. According to reports, just 10.8% of registered nurses were men (NMC, 2017). This makes the midwifery profession one of the most gender-segregated ones.
Undeniably, though, there is progress! In fact, there are universities which aim for a gender balance within nursing and midwifery. They launch programmes targeting male representatives in nursing. Another great way for creating more awareness around the topic is through social media channels. Men make incredible nurses and midwives!
We can see that through the inspiring posts. They put so much love in every word they share about their job. Caring, compassionate and hard-working the male representatives of the profession provide a great contribution to this industry.
Let us take a look at some really touching stories from three incredible male midwives. They shared their midwife journeys with the team of Mylocum and we want to re-share them with the world. Their stories come from the heart and show their dedication and genuine love for the profession.
Anders Lindback and his Midwife Story
How did you decide to become a midwife? What was your main motivation?
So I had been working as a nurse in a youth clinic with sexual and reproductive health for some years with mostly testing for STI, andrology and counselling. This is a different issue that young people could have regarding their sexual health. I really liked it but decided to study a master in midwifery and reproductive, perinatal and sexual health to be able to also work with gynaecology and contraceptives in the clinic.
As a male midwives in Sweden you’re able to prescribe contraceptives and insert implants and IUD’s. But during my studies I noticed how much I really loved assisting births as well so a couple of months ago I decided to quit my job at the youth clinic and start working in a delivery ward instead.
What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
For me it’s that every day, or night, is so different and you never know what to expect when you enter the doors to work. Every birth is unique and my job is to make it a safe and positive experience for the new family.
It’s such complex work. Of course you need to have the medical skills because things could shift really quickly but it’s also a craft and it takes a lot of practice to know what to feel and do with your hands. And it’s also very demanding psychology to be present and calm and be there with the woman.
And last, but not least, to be able to be there in one of the greatest moments of their lives, every day at work, it’s amazing.
Share an inspiring story from your professional life.
For me it’s when I care for a woman who’s afraid of childbirth, and in doubt of herself being able to do it. And I can be there to help her to trust herself, and her body, that it knows what to do. To make her experience the great power of giving birth and the extreme reward when she sees her baby for the first time.
This is the current vacancy we have for Midwifery in London, Ealing.
Inspiring Story by Midwife Alex
How did you decide to become a Male Midwife? What was your main motivation?
It took a long time to become a midwife. I began as a nurse on a med/surg unit and then moved to labour and delivery. I worked in labour and delivery for about a year before applying to school. The fact that so many patients were mistreated inspired me the most. How ignorant they were.
I believe that education is an important part of midwifery and that it helps the individual during this special time. It felt inspired to advance my knowledge while retaining the kinship bedside nurses have for their patients. I consequently came to the conclusion that midwifery was the ideal profession for me. Having the best of both worlds is possible when you work as a nurse and a provider.
What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
Building relationships with clients is by far the most rewarding aspect of my job. Allowing me to be a part of this special time in their lives. It was such an honour to help catch babies and just see this moment of time of pure joy and peace in a room.
Share an inspiring story from your professional life.
A few months ago I had an induction of labour who ruptured her membranes and on examination there was a prolapsed cord. This is an emergent situation that requires quick delivery. I called the physician to the room and started to discuss the need for a stat cs.
We started rolling to the or and all I hear is the patient asking me to save her child over and over again. I told the patient to look at me and breathe and that we will do our most due diligence to have this child. I wanted the patient to focus on me and breathe with me. We had a beautiful baby in less than 10 minutes.
About two weeks after that I saw the patient for a postpartum visit. The patient and her husband gave me a card with the most heartfelt message I have ever received. Thanking me for being calm and reassuring, but for being there at the right time. It was truly emotional and at that time I realized this is why I love what I do. Not for cards and thanks, but to be a captain on.
A team to steer the ship, provide calm, act on situations, and empower individuals. To educate them and their partners while experiencing pure happiness. I do what I enjoy, and it’s a beautiful thing to see and experience.
This is the current vacancy we have for Midwifery in London, Barts.
Midwife Journey of Paul Byrne
What made you want to become a midwife?
My journey into midwifery has been a little unusual. I was living in Dublin, working as a roofing contractor for 28 years. My partner of 15 years became ill with lung cancer and died after 6 weeks in hospital. This was an extremely challenging time for me and like most men I buried myself in work to keep busy as a way of coping with the grief of my partner’s death.
One day in work I fell 36 feet off a roof and broke 11 bones. I was in a wheelchair for 3 months, I had 5 operations and had to learn how to walk again. This event was a blessing in disguise as it afforded me the time and space to reassess where my life was going and what I would do next.
The attention I had received from the nurses and doctors who had cared for me had inspired me. I thought that I would like to enter some aspect of the caring professions. Midwifery was the discipline that drew me in because it generally assists women with a normal physiological event that is extremely life affirming.
This meant that I would have to relocate to London. Prior to starting there, I had to return to roofing for an additional six months in order to save up some cash. Fortunately, I had a cousin in London who graciously put me up for 18 months.
My first day in University was funny, one of my classmates confided in me that she thought I was one of the students’ husbands. “How sweet of him to accompany her on her first day of University….. But why is he still the lecture hall”? The penny finally dropped.
As a male student midwife, I have faced several difficulties. On my first day on the labour ward, five women turned me down. By the time my course was over, 32 women had rejected me. While I may be a male midwife I have come to understand that whether you are male or female first and foremost you are a healthcare professional. Charged with providing care and support to women and babies.
Still a Way To Go for Male Midwives
These touching stories get close to the heart, don’t they? You can hear the love coming out from their words. These men speak out of compassion. We must all be proud to have such incredible and dedicated midwives!
It is still a long way to go, but the overall progress seems optimistic. Let’s put the past behind and work on growing the percentage of male midwives in the industry. Let’s also don’t follow stereotypes. Yes, it is normal and natural for women to be firefighters as well as for men to be midwives. At the end those men support women – look at the beauty of this concept!
As Stuart Hislop (Scotland’s first male midwife) says “Men could and should be a substantial part of the nursing and midwifery workforce. There are many men who could provide a great contribution to this industry.”
Men who have provided care for women describe them as compassionate, calm, and helpful. Some of them even share that they are more understanding and sympathetic than female midwives. Share stories of your experience in the comments – personal or professional.
If you’re interested in learning more about the life of a male midwife and their inspiring stories, check out our part 2 blog. In this blog post, we share first hand accounts from male midwives about their experiences working in the field, the challenges they have faced, and the unique perspective they bring to the profession.
By reading this blog post, you can gain a deeper understanding of the important role that male midwives have in supporting women and families during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. You can also learn more about the efforts being made to promote diversity and inclusivity in the midwifery profession, and the need for more education and training programs to support male midwives.
So why wait? Check out our Part 2 blog on the Life of a Male Midwifery today, and discover more inspiring stories of these dedicated healthcare professionals.
Mylocum has many opportunities in midwifery and we would like to encourage both males and females to apply for their desired job. Job opportunities check here: Mylocum or visit our Job Section
