Rather than use the Introductions and Greetings forum for my first post, I thought I'd post here where I "belong" and get some feedback. It's been literally a year long process for me to decide to go into nursing. I realize it's a calling and seeing I was able took some time but mostly I struggled with being a man in nursing (as culturally and almost seemingly morally wrong to me at first) and if nursing is really what I wanted to do. After that mind hurdle, I, being who i am, decided further along I'd like to become a midwife/CNM. I knew that I didn't really want to do this here but abroad. However, I also found out about SANEs and would like to pursue that, if for no other reason than education and skills. Of course, if I was a CNM (especially a international one) and knowing that BFing is one of the biggest problems PP, then I'd like to become a lactation consultant (IBCLC) as well. I know this last one will be the hardest hurdle based on what I've read so far (This really baffles me that most women have no problem with men in L&D or as a SANE but they do with a male lactation consultant).
I know some may say that's a full plate and I'm just getting started. However, I know that I can do it if it's what I really want. I like having a grand plan (goal) and it makes me excited to reach it. I've been able to find stories of men that have done each of those things (not together) so I know it is possible even though I thought at times I was crazy. Of course I know that, as with any worthwhile pursuit, there will be obstacles great and small but it will be worth it in the end or I probably wouldn't go through it. I've also done some "feeling out" by talking/emailing midwives and reading. I also went with a midwife who was a man to Mexico where he "works." I loved it and that trip helped solidify my desire. Unfortunately, I have yet to experience a live birth but I still have hope and know that it will come. That hope makes me excited and eager to be on this journey.
Please let me know what you think. I will greatly appreciate it.
Legend
CNM = Certified Nurse Midwife
SANE = Sexual Assualt Nurse Examiner
BFing = breastfeeding
PP = postpartum
IBCLC = International Board Certified Lactation Consultants
