"What could you know?!"

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!!!

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.

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!"

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.

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.

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!"

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.

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!"

I find this amusing... At least a female OB/GYN, whether or not she has children, has a uterus! If having personal experience in what you're treating mattered when quality of care is concerned, all male OB/GYNs would be out of business by now!

My reply to anyone who questions a childless nurse midwife's competency would be that labor is different to every woman. Even if you have children, you can't tell what is going to work for another mom to be. The nurse midwife has experienced many deliveries and has a broad base of knowledge when it comes to a variety of situations. This is how any medical professional becomes competent to practice.