Male Nurses in OB

nutella, MSN, RN · Feb 13, 2016

Huh. During the labor and delivery of both of my children, I didn't give a damn what gender my nurses or OB were ... just help me get these kids OUT.
Like Farawyn stated, the sex doesn't matter, just the hands.
My husband is a NICU APRN, and at one of the hospitals he works at, his presence is required for all births. He's never had a problem with anyone having him in the room in the 12 years he's been in the field (now... having someone from the NICU in general come on in during a no-complications birth usually has people concerned until it's explained it's just general policy).
Interestingly enough, almost all the males in my nursing class were working hard during our OB clinical to be involved during a birth, and wanted to see a C-section or lady partsl delivery.

That reminds me that my very own husband did not do well with birth and emergency c-section. The second time I did not even take him ...

But I had a male cab driver who drove me to the high risk pregnancy hospital and he was also a yoga teacher - funny enough - he offered me to go with me for the birth as he thought it was really cool to see how a new life comes into the world. I declined that offer though but I think it was a great mindset. Real life writes the best stories ...

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 13, 2016

Men in OB? Why not? I have worked with a few who were amazing. The best OB nurse I had as a patient was male. He was gentle and respectful. Of course they belong; if that is their passion and their wish, they belong!!!

pixierose, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2016

But I had a male cab driver who drove me to the high risk pregnancy hospital and he was also a yoga teacher - funny enough - he offered me to go with me for the birth as he thought it was really cool to see how a new life comes into the world. I declined that offer though but I think it was a great mindset. Real life writes the best stories ...

That's actually really sweet. I'd most definitely decline the offer as well ... but ... awwwwwww.

Farawyn · Feb 13, 2016

I thought it was kind of creepy :bag:

kingvonnBSN2017, BSN · Feb 13, 2016

I'm a male nursing student that would love to work OB! My first choose is to work in the NICU, but I definitely wouldn't mind working in Mother/Baby or L&D. I would love it. It's just so discouraging to see so many female patients that prefer female nurses or female nurses who do not want male nurses working with them in the unit. It sucks because it's something I would love to do.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2016

I am extremely modest, and did actually choose CNM practices for my deliveries largely so that I would be guaranteed a female provider at push time. (Yes I know not all CNMs are female, but all of the ones in my metro area are.)

Now if I'd had a male RN there, I probably would have been fine...although I probably would refuse all but the most necessary cervical checks. But as far as monitoring my contractions, fetal heart tones, pain assessment/management, respiratory assessments, etc I would be 100% fine with. Postpartum, I wouldn't want a male looking at the lochia on my pad either, but otherwise I wouldn't have any issues.

Students watching my delivery however are a different story -- again speaking as a pt -- because they are not necessary for my care. Plus, the pt is not responsible for our education; instructors are. I would say the same if it was a medical student.

I fully realize that nearly all males in healthcare are professional...but it truly is about me and my comfort. Actually earlier this week I had a pt with floor orders, but since the floor had no beds she stayed in the ICU. I helped her with the bedpan after I gave report to the oncoming male RN because she was requesting a female. I wasn't about to chastise her for perpetuating gender stereotypes because 1) she's a pt, her care is about her, and social change is not her job, and 2) I am the same way and get it.

But hey I'm just one opinion.

CBlover, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2016

When you get right down to it, when you're in labor and in that crazy pain and then start pushing your brains out...I mean it's kinda like "Who cares who's around?!?! Just get this baby OUUUUT!!"

pixierose, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2016

I thought it was kind of creepy

Oh, creepy most definitely. But ... certainly enthusiastic!

kakamegamama · Feb 13, 2016

Two of the best L&D nurses I ever put students with as a clinical instructor were male. The other staff, patients, and students loved them. I hope they stayed with it.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2016

I have heard many women and pt's say that they feel male nurses are more compassionate then female nurses; with that being said why are there not many male OB nurses? Is it due to a staffing issue with having to have a female accompany the male nurse into the room all the time? Is it female OB nurses not wanting a male nurse working with them? Why is that if male nurses are considered more sensitive and caring nurses doesn't it stand to reason that there would be more men working in OB?

Gender does not determine qualities such as compassion, sensitivity, and caring nature.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2016

But yet most of these women have no issue with a male doctor down in their nether-regions

And when you ask them to explain the reason for the discrepancy here, they usually can't/won't.

Get2theChoppa · Feb 13, 2016

But yet most of these women have no issue with a male doctor down in their nether-regions

When I was in nursing school I asked about this discrepancy. What I heard is that many of these women think doctors are "professionals." Therefore, when a male doctor goes into OB, it's a "professional" thing. To these same women/their families, nurses are not professional in the same way. Plus the doctor is "vital" and an "expert." The nurse is not. That's just what I was told, not what I think.