Masculine Maternity

Midwifery is a noble profession centered on providing care and support to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Midwives play a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of both mothers and their babies. In Nigeria, where maternal and infant health is a top priority, midwives are at the forefront of delivering life-saving services in hospitals, clinics, and communities. What is a Midwife? A midwife is a trained healthcare professional specializing in maternal and newborn care. They are skilled in: Providing antenatal (pregnancy) care. Assisting with labor and childbirth. Offering postpartum care to help mothers recover. Educating families about maternal and child health. Midwives also focus on creating a positive birthing experience, empowering women, and promoting natural childbirth practices whenever safe and possible. Why is Midwifery Important in Nigeria? In Nigeria, maternal and child mortality rates remain a significant challenge. Midwives play an es...

In Nigeria, we enjoy a variety of delicious meals, from jollof rice to egusi soup. But have you ever thought about how the food you eat affects your stomach and overall health? Your gut is home to tiny organisms that help digest food, protect you from sickness, and even improve your mood. A healthy gut makes you feel better in every way, and in this post, I’ll share simple, everyday Nigerian foods that can keep your stomach healthy and your body strong.   Why Gut Health Matters Your gut plays a bigger role than just digesting your meals. Here’s why it’s important: 1. Improves Digestion: A healthy gut helps prevent bloating, indigestion, and stomach pain. 2. Boosts Immunity: Did you know that most of your body’s defenses against illness come from your gut? 3. Improves Mood: There’s a connection between your gut and brain—when your stomach feels good, your mind does too. 4. Helps Control Weight: Some gut bacteria can affect how your body stores fat and energy. Foods That Help Your Gu...

 Compassion is often stereotyped as a “female” quality, but science shows it’s a human trait that transcends gender. Both men and women are wired for empathy and care, thanks to the way our brains and hormones work. Understanding the science of compassion reveals how it benefits individuals and society as a whole. The Science Behind Compassion 1. The Brain and Empathy: The brain’s mirror neurons help us feel what others are experiencing, enabling compassion. These neural pathways are present in everyone, regardless of gender. 2. Hormones and Care: While oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” plays a significant role in compassion, men also produce it, especially in bonding and caregiving situations. 3. Evolutionary Roots: Compassionate behavior is hardwired in humans to promote survival. Both men and women have historically relied on nurturing and cooperation to protect their communities. Compassion Beyond Stereotypes 1. Breaking Gender Norms: Compassion is often associated with fe...

Pregnancy and childbirth are often perceived as women’s experiences, with men sometimes taking a backseat in the journey. However, as societal views evolve and fathers become more involved in parenting, it’s becoming increasingly clear that men should actively participate in antenatal classes. These classes, often focused on preparing expectant mothers, can also offer immense benefits for men—both in supporting their partners and in preparing themselves for the challenges of fatherhood. Here are several compelling reasons why more men should attend antenatal classes: 1. Better Support for Partners Antenatal classes are designed to educate both parents about pregnancy, childbirth, and the early stages of parenting. By attending, men can gain a deeper understanding of what their partners are going through. This knowledge equips them to provide better physical, emotional, and mental support during pregnancy and childbirth. It also helps foster empathy, which strengthens their bond as a co...

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, with responsibilities piling up and stress taking center stage. But one thing I’ve learned is this: laughter has the power to lighten even the heaviest of burdens. It’s not just a mood booster—it’s a healing tool for both the mind and body. In this post, I’ll share how laughter impacts our health, why it’s so important, and simple ways to bring more laughter into your everyday life. The Physical Benefits of Laughter Have you ever laughed so hard that your stomach hurt or tears rolled down your face? That’s your body reacting positively to laughter. Here’s how it helps: 1. Boosts Heart Health: Laughter improves blood flow, helping your heart work better. It’s like a mini cardio workout! 2. Relieves Pain: Laughing triggers the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers—helping to ease discomfort. 3. Strengthens the Immune System: Studies show that laughter increases immune cells and antibodies, making it easier to fight off illnesses. 4...

When I started my journey as a midwife, one question kept coming up: “As a man, can you truly understand what women go through during pregnancy and childbirth?” At first, I wasn’t sure how to answer. But as I worked with more patients, I learned an important truth—empathy goes beyond gender. It’s not about experiencing the same pain; it’s about listening, caring, and meeting people where they are. In this post, I’ll share how empathy helps us connect with maternity patients and why it’s a skill anyone in healthcare can develop, regardless of gender. The Heart of Maternity Care: Empathy Pregnancy and childbirth are deeply emotional experiences. Each patient comes with unique concerns, fears, and expectations. While I’ll never personally experience labor pains, I can still provide comfort, reassurance, and support by putting myself in my patients’ shoes. Active Listening: One of the simplest ways to show empathy is to listen. I pay attention to every concern, whether it’s about physical ...

When we think of midwives, we often picture them supporting expectant mothers through pregnancy and childbirth. But did you know midwives can also play a vital role in helping fathers navigate this life-changing journey? As a male midwife, I’ve realized that fathers often feel overlooked or unsure of their role during pregnancy and childbirth. This is where male midwives can step in with unique support. Let me share how we do it. 1. Relating to the Father’s Perspective As a male midwife, I’ve often noticed that fathers feel more comfortable opening up to me. They see me as someone who understands their perspective—someone who’s been in their shoes or can relate to their concerns. For Example: A father-to-be once told me, “I want to help, but I don’t know what to do.” I reassured him that it’s normal to feel this way and gave him practical tips on supporting his wife during labor. This connection helps fathers feel heard and included, which is important for building confidence in their...

A few years ago, when I decided to become a midwife, many people questioned my choice. “Midwifery is for women,” they said. Others asked, “Will women even trust you to take care of them?” At first, I had doubts, but as I continued my journey, I saw something incredible: the growing need for male midwives in healthcare, even in Nigeria. Let me share the story of why male midwives are becoming important, backed by facts and a little insight from my experience. Why the Need Is Growing In Nigeria, like in many other countries, maternal and newborn healthcare is a big challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths. Many women don’t have access to skilled midwives, and this leads to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. But here’s the twist: the demand for midwives is increasing so much that women no longer care whether the midwife is male or female—they just want someone skilled to provide care. A Short Story: ...

Midwifery is often seen as a profession meant for women, especially in countries like Nigeria, where cultural and societal norms strongly influence career choices. As a male midwife, my journey has been rewarding but filled with challenges that I’ve had to navigate with patience and resilience. Let me share some of these challenges and how I’ve managed to overcome them. 1. Breaking Stereotypes One of the first challenges I faced was society’s perception of men in midwifery. Many people believe it’s “strange” or “unusual” for a man to be involved in what they see as a woman’s profession. Common Misconception: People often ask, “Why would a man choose to become a midwife?” Some even assume I couldn’t find other career options. My Response: I’ve learned to explain that midwifery is about compassion, care, and saving lives—qualities that have no gender. 2. Earning Trust from Patients Many women are hesitant to have a male midwife care for them. Some feel uncomfortable or fear judgment, e...

Pregnancy and childbirth are life-changing experiences for women, but they don’t have to go through it alone. As men, we can play a vital role in making the journey easier and more memorable for our partners. Let me share simple and practical ways men can support their partners during this important time. 1. Be Involved from the Start Don’t wait until labor to get involved. Start from the moment your partner finds out she’s pregnant. Attend Appointments: Go with her to antenatal visits. It shows you care and gives you a chance to learn about her health and the baby’s progress. Learn Together: Read books or attend classes on pregnancy and childbirth. Knowledge will help you understand what she’s going through and how you can help. 2. Listen to Her Needs Pregnancy comes with a lot of physical and emotional changes. One of the best ways to support your partner is to listen. Ask Questions: Ask how she’s feeling and what she needs. Be Patient: Sometimes, she might not even know what she ...

Growing up in Nigeria, I was surrounded by cultural norms that made maternity care seem like a woman’s world. From pregnancy to childbirth, men were often considered outsiders, uninvolved in the process except for providing financial support. As I delved deeper into midwifery and personal growth, I realized how much harm these beliefs have caused—not only to women but to families as a whole. Let me share some myths I’ve encountered about men in maternity care and why I, as a man deeply involved in this field, believe they are completely wrong. Myth 1: “Maternity care is a woman’s responsibility.” This was something I believed for years. Society taught me that pregnancy and childbirth were “women’s issues,” and my role was limited to financial provision. What Changed My Mind: As a student midwife, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for fathers to support their partners during pregnancy. I’ve watched men who attended antenatal appointments and actively participated in care improve t...

In the early morning light, Chuka stood by the window of the small maternity ward in Lagos, Nigeria, watching the sun rise over the bustling city. His wife, Ngozi, was resting after an exhausting night, the soft hum of the hospital monitors accompanying the rhythm of her steady breathing. It was a moment of peace, but Chuka couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more he could do. Though he had always been there for Ngozi, his involvement had been largely passive. Now, with the birth of their first child drawing near, he was realizing just how vital it was for him to take a more active role in the entire process of maternity care. The Journey of Awareness in Nigeria In many Nigerian communities, maternity care is seen as a woman’s responsibility, with men often taking a backseat. Cultural norms and long-standing traditions have led to a perception that childbirth and pregnancy are realms best left to women and medical professionals. However, as Chuka stood in the ward, he recognized ...

The first time I assisted a mother in labor, my hands trembled—not from fear, but from the weight of the moment. I was a man, stepping into a space traditionally reserved for women. “Can he do it?” someone had whispered earlier, a question that echoed the doubts I carried myself. But that night, amidst the soft cries of pain and the encouraging voices of the medical team, I discovered something remarkable. The Unexpected Journey Growing up, I never imagined I’d find myself in maternity care. My dreams were like those of many boys—action-packed and far removed from diapers and delivery rooms. But life has a way of surprising us. It began with a friend’s casual suggestion: “Why don’t you try midwifery? You’re compassionate and good at calming people.” At first, I laughed it off. Midwifery? Me? But as I researched more about the field, something clicked. This wasn’t just about delivering babies; it was about being there for people during one of the most vulnerable and miraculous moments o...