[Guest_Imokoe_*]

Have you had a male midwife and how did you find the experience? How do you feel/ would you feel if a male midwife turned up when you were in labour? I had a male midwife caring for me after the birth of my son. I had to have my stiches checked and he just went and did it without asking me if i prefered a female. I wasnt comfortable with him at all! Whereas my male obstetrician I loved and was completely fine with.

Also what do you think makes a good midwife? I think it is so important to have the right person for the job because the midwife can really alter your experience for better or worse.

This post has been edited by Imokoe: 23/03/2010, 10:30 PM

[red door]

whether using a midwife or doctor, I always request a female. i don't care if that offends them and I figure if a man cant understand why some women would possibly make such a request, he is probably in the wrong profession.

[Banana Pancakes]

I had a male student midwife while delivering my last baby. He was great, very encouraging and very excited when my bub came out.

It didnt worry me at all.

[Cheryl_v]

I had a male midwife with primary care after the birth of my third baby. He was lovely. The two previous births I'd had female midwives who had never asked for permission before any checks or procedures, the male midwife was always very polite and never assumed permission. I really liked my male midwife and despite seeing other (female) midwives around the same time period the only two I remember are M---- (the male midwife) and S---- who was there when my daughter was born.

[Nephnie]

I see make midwives as just another staff member there for your care. If you have an issue with him doing his job, it's up to you to speak up.

I don't have an issue with male midwives. I had one. He was fab. I ended up working alongside him briefly at our local TAFE and was reintroduced to him. I had a giggle and said, "It's not my face that you would remember." We all rolled around the room for a bit then I told him how much I appreciated how he tried to help me when DD was not attaching properly. Out of all the midwives, he was the one who was most sympathetic to my BFing troubles and didn't pressure me or be too rough for me.

He had great communication skills, he was gentle and warm. I have fond memories of him.

[new~mum~reenie]

Personally, I don't think I'd be comfortable with a male MW - but that isn't to say I object to them. Like Red Door, I just feel more comfortable with a female.

I remember seeing a thing on one of those morning programs (Sunrise? ) they interviewed a male MW and 2 ladies that had been in his care. I thought it was great.

[TwistedIvy]

I don't think the sex of the midwife would matter to me. Their 'vibe' and type of care would matter more.

[skae]

Provided he held the same ideals as I do, and we 'clicked' I would have no problem. But the same with female midwives, I don't want anyone in my space who I dont click with or hold similar ideals.

[soontobegran]

he is probably in the wrong profession.

Why? What a ridiculous thing to say. YOU might not be comfortable with a male then go ahead and request a female BUT you can not suggest he has made the wrong career choice just because you are not OK about it.
I can assure you that you do not have to be female to be a good midwife, I have worked with some amazing male midwives who put some of the females to shame.
It still puzzles me that many women prefer male obstetricians yet have issues with having a male midwife.
Many I have worked with are married with children and have as much to offer as a female midwife who is married with children.

[EssentialBludger]

I've never had one, would have no problem with one though! My OB/GP is a male and he's seen it all! I also found him WAY more gentle down there than the female midwife I had who left me screaming in pain.