Advice for L&D? - Male student.

future_anesthetist, BSN, CNA, RN · Aug 16, 2013

I was also 20 during my L&D rotation and had the exact same feelings before the experience. A few times a mom-to-be said no to having a male nursing student (but then had a male doc deliver their baby...??) I preferred post partum and NICU because its just caring for baby and not being their during labor. My advice is to stay professional don't appear nervous or awkward because then the family will feel awkward. Also, assess the mom's comfort level with your involvement. My only delivery experience was with a pretty young couple late 20's and they kept it light and not at all awkward. I actually enjoyed the experience and did get a little teary eyed to be honest :) i gave the first bath and all its shots, etc. That was one family though. Anyway, good luck and learn a lot! My sister just had a baby and I'm actually surprised at how much I remember from a year ago! She's always asking questions. It's a pretty interesting area of nursing!

Okie36 · Aug 16, 2013

You might find that if approached kindly by either the floor nurse or instructor that there are some that will allow you to participate in their care. When I had my first baby, I had an instructor ask if her student could watch L&D and then take care of me postpartum ( every other patient declined) I said yes...that male nursing student took the best care of me and my baby...I was impressed by his empathy and his bedside manner...I wasn't embarrassed at all and considering I had a long traumatic birth ( Neonatal resuscitation etc) he gained lots of experience and insight...that was 14 years ago, im sure there will be a pt that will let you learn and gain valuable insight...good luck to you! Don't be nervous just roll with it :)

Mr Midwife, BSN, RN · Aug 16, 2013

I did a few days on the L&D as part of my student nurse first year. KNew it was what I wanted so in my final year I worked in gyaecology for my elective and then went on to train as a midwife few years later.

My advice is if you think you're going to enjoy it go for it, there will always be people who refuse your care and staff who will question why you are doing it (sorry but harsh reality) but just keep plugging and remember why you are doing it.

StudentOfHealing · Aug 16, 2013

A lot of great advice here, thanks!

I took the initiative of asking my female friends who have gone through the birthing process their top concerns when they were in labor. It seems that pain and progression of the birth were their top concerns.

I want to firstly, be as professional as possible. Secondly, for my patients to know that even though I dont personally go though birth or ever will, I am aware of their concerns and will always address them as a student.

Again, thanks to everyone who has answered thus far. My nerves have been alleviated :)

PeepnBiscuitsRN · Aug 17, 2013

It is weird that someone would turn down a male student but not a male OB doc. I think culture would play a big part- I had a male student shadow me one day and we have a pretty diverse cultural spread- there are a couple of particular groups where it was just a no-brainier: no way- no males except the husband or brother are allowed in the room. Other folks were pretty indifferent as long as they got the idea that he was professional and not acting grossed out or being too visibly uncomfortable. That's the thing, if you act really uncomfortable, like you really super don't wanna be there, they're going to pick up on that and it will make them feel weird too.

Personally I wouldn't have cared if I had a male nurse- just as long as you're letting me bleed to death or letting my baby get too cold.

marienurse18 · Aug 17, 2013

I think there's a lot of difference in a male OB and a male nurse/student. Nurses do much more with hands on care for the woman throughout labor and post partum. A few main areas being pericare and breast feeding assistance. Unfortunately it's different and the reservations are there. Sorry male students this hurdle is probably here to stay.

Guests · Aug 17, 2013

I managed to skip OB altogether because the guys that preceded me were relegate to propping up the nurse's station for 8 hours per shift. My instructors agreed that there was no benefit to me so I managed to swap OB days and NICU days with one of the gals which worked perfectly for me because I love NICU.

One extreme to the other, I wouldn't stress it. You're certainly not the first dude to be there.

veggie530 · Aug 28, 2013

Real talk, dude. Act as though you've been there before, no joke. One student nurse said to me "Why are YOU nervous? You've seen more of these things from this angle than I have." That really put it into perspective. It's just a human body -- be respectful and professional... don't only act like you've been there before, but act like you belong in the room.

It's just a cervix and stuff.

Lanesmama · Sep 3, 2013

It's been my experience that as a SN OB is mainly just observation... some assessments with the instructor on newborns, some fundal checks postpartum, vitals, etc... I've never seen a SN be allowed to check a cervix so hat are you worried about? Seeing a lady parts? Better get over that! Just stand back, watch, and learn! Most of the women who agree to have a student watch really aren't thinking about their lady partss being stared at but the miracle of birh the the baby they are about to deliver. Man up. Get through it. Must sound harsh but it won't last forever.

guamba · Sep 10, 2013

Im an L&D nurse and some of the best nurses I've worked with were men-yes L&D murses go into this rotation with an open mind. We are nurses and science is our base. Yes this woman has a lady parts but you're not looking at is sexually, you're looking at it scientifically. She needs one to have a baby, end of story. Don't be shy with family members or with the patient. Thank them for letting you care for them and wipe that sweat off your brow before you try and find which hole to put that foley in.