First Bump on a Bumpy Road

[NickB]

So, I was taking an EKG class yesterday and the instructor was a female paramedic/nurse of about 25years. On one of our breaks, we were all discussing the areas that we want to specialize in and I told the people in my class that I intend to be a Labor Nurse and eventually a Midwife. Shortly after, the instructor blurts out "I don't know any woman that would let you down there." I told her that I didn't have any issues with this in my L&D clinicals and have already discussed working as a Labor Nurse with the Birthcare Center Director who was very encouraging and actually strongly supports male labor nurses. I know that this is a topic that has been discussed many times on this forum, but I thought is was funny that this was my first encounter with an issue I may have to frequently overcome in the future. Just my first bump in the road I guess.

[yooperPN]

Just wanted to say, if I were pregnant and looking for a midwife... it wouldn't matter to me if they were male or female. I live in a small community and I know a lot of women who prefer female OB's; and maybe that's the way small communities are. But, although I grew up around here, it doesn't seem to make a difference to me whether you're male or female, as long as you know what you're doing. I think you'll do great, and I doubt you're going to find that much of a problem with getting women to trust you. You may find some women who only want women, but I'm sure you'll find an equal amount that don't really mind what you are, as long as you know what you're talking about. :)

[mamamerlee, LPN]

I have moved a few times, and changed insurers from time to time, necessitating getting new docs. Over the years, I have had male and female docs in a variety of specialities.

Many years ago, I had a female Gyn whose father had been an OB-Gyn, and she was the roughest doc I had ever had. She also had absolutely no bedside manner! I had a male OB that I saw after I moved one particular time, and had not had my period in about 3 months, with negative home pregnancy tests. When I went to give a urine sample, lo and behold, there was my period. He was rude and inappropriate, and I left there upset.

When I finally got pregnant, I arranged to see someone else in the practise, who I LOVED. Of course, when I had to be seen emergently one time, guess who was on call? And who was on call the night after I had my baby? You guessed it. I called the ins co and complained about the way I was treated.

Enough about me!!! There are some cultures who would not want a male attending a woman, no matter what. But once you get going, your reputation speaks for itself. And what about all those EMTs, police, taxi drivers etc, who end up delivering babies? At that moment, the woman is simply thankful that someone is there to help!!

Best wishes to you!!

[jennylouwho]

I think you'll find some women who aren't comfortable with it, but those are the same ones who will seek out only a female OB.

Myself, as long as someone is competent, I could care less whether a male or female is my labor nurse OR midwife, just so long as a male doesn't say something like "I understand how painful it is".

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

They must have let some male "down there" or they wouldn't be in the labor ward....

Some people are just idiots. Don't worry about them.

[yooperPN]

Myself, as long as someone is competent, I could care less whether a male or female is my labor nurse OR midwife, just so long as a male doesn't say something like "I understand how painful it is".

:yeah:

Haha! So true!! Or, "It can't be that bad".... haha!

[susanlwins]

I think your instructor's comment was, quite frankly, idiotic. There are TONS of OB/GYN's who are male, and nobody says word one about it - that's just the way it is. So being a nurse midwife and being male is supposedly that much different that nobody will let you "down there". So incredibly sexist. Good luck, keep on toward your goal. As a mother myself, I assure you that the vast majority of childbearing women out there are not complete morons, which is what your instructor is assuming.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

She doesn't know what she's talking about...if you are a caring, competent individual most people will not care what your chromosomes are. :) Best of luck to you!

[LNDRN2]

It's sad that this stereotype still exists. I work L&D and I know for a fact that they will NEVER hire a male for an RN position... yet all but maybe 6 OB/GYNs I work with are male (we do 4200+ deliveries a year).

I wish you the best of luck, never give up on your goals!!

[guiltysins]

Ridiculous! If you are a midwife in a few years and in my area I will certainly allow you "down there" when I have kids =)