"What could you know?!"

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I am a childless married student. I am waiting to have children until after I am done with school for many reasons (financial, could not give children attention I would want and studies at the same time, I am still young ect...)

I figure once I get my CNM I will want to practice a few years before I get pregnant. I was wondering from those of you midwives that deliver babies and have never delivered your own, get comments about "How could you tell me to keep it up, you'll be okay if you have never done this before!?!?!" or somthing along that line? How do you handle a situation like that?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
I was wondering from those of you midwives that deliver babies and have never delivered your own, get comments about "How could you tell me to keep it up, you'll be okay if you have never done this before!?!?!" or somthing along that line? How do you handle a situation like that?

Not sure exactly what you mean here? Keep up school?

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i think she means ---- if you've never had a child, but are encouraging someone who is in the process of having a baby, and telling them what to do to help the process.

i suppose it's a little ironic, that you're coaching someone on what to do, when you've never done it!!!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
i think she means ---- if you've never had a child, but are encouraging someone who is in the process of having a baby, and telling them what to do to help the process.

i suppose it's a little ironic, that you're coaching someone on what to do, when you've never done it!!!

Ah, gotcha, kahlo. Thanks!! :nurse:

I guess the same way you educate someone regarding MI s/s and never had one yourself........or, what to expect with hypoglycemic reactions and not a diabetic. . . . . .

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Tell them it's none of their business if you have children.

As the person giving healthcare, your personal life is none of their concern. If you get the education required to be a midwife, and pass any certifications or whatnot (I'm not up on this kind of info), then you are qualified.

You do not have to explain yourself--they are the patient, you are the professional. They are the ones that are there to receive healthcare. Therefore it is their information that needs to be in the open, and your personal information is not relevant.

You are not there to go through an inquisition about your personal life and decisions. You are there to help with the delivery.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

HeartsOpenWide, you will run into many who cannot understand how you can be a midwife/ OB NP and never experienced birth for yourself.

Just show confidence and poise and you will manage those types of remarks.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I asked because my mother in law has asked me (more than once too) how are you going to deliver a baby and coach a woman if you have never done it yourself.

She once made a comment about a local female OB/GYN saying "How can Dr.****** be any good, she has never even had children herself!" :eek:

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
I asked because my mother in law has asked me (more than once too) how are you going to deliver a baby and coach a woman if you have never done it yourself.

She once made a comment about a local female OB/GYN saying "How can Dr.****** be any good, she has never even had children herself!" :eek:

And, I think this is a very good question. :nurse:

Many physicians and nurses have not had the experience for themselves and handle these situations exceptionally. :nurse:

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Specializes in LTC.

I would definately ask your mother-in-law if a male or female delivered her children.

So many OB/GYN physicians are male, I have a feeling they haven't given birth before.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

You can do this the same way an oncology nurse takes care of cancer patients, but yet, has not had cancer himself. With compassion, empathy, professionalism. It will come, with time.

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

I'm not wacky and I'm a psych nurse.

(oh wait - nevermind.) ;)

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I asked because my mother in law has asked me (more than once too) how are you going to deliver a baby and coach a woman if you have never done it yourself.

She once made a comment about a local female OB/GYN saying "How can Dr.****** be any good, she has never even had children herself!" :eek:

I personally don't think it's appropriate for her to be questioning if the doctor can do her job if she is legally licensed and educated, and does not have a problem functioning as a doctor. It's a moot point.

Your decision about wanting to be a midwife is also none of her business. If she can't respect your decision, refuse to discuss it with her.

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