Masculine Maternity

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 ...

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...