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...