I ended up having an emergency c section when I had my son. The anaesthetist was a man called Andrew and he said I’m going to hold your hand and if you feel anything at all, squeeze my hand and tell me right away what’s wrong. My husband was there too and a whole host of midwives and doctors including junior doctors that were training (male and female).
Andrew was very supportive and we chatted during it. When they got my son out and lifted him over the screen, Andrew and all the midwives and doctors took it in turns to come and say congratulations to me and my husband.
They’re doing a job, they don’t care what your bits look like. I was glad to have Andrew and I bet he’s put hundreds of women going through an emergency c section at ease since then and his female counterparts have as well.
JayneLut on
When in labour, I want kindness, professionalism – and appropriate medical training.
There are almost always men in the room at some point. Anaesthetists or obstetricians if you need any kind of medical intervention/ pain meds. I had quite complicated pregnancies – so was in and out of the maternity assessment unit a lot. People taking care of me and my future baby, with reassurance, was more important than a medical professional’s gender.
Spiritual-Cheek2800 on
I remember when I was giving birth, the nurse asked if I was okay with having a student in there to observe and I said yes. His name was Alfie and he was absolutely lovely, when my sister had to leave the room he stepped in to hold my hand when she couldn’t. He stayed with me the whole time, even once I’d had my baby boy he stuck around while I had to be stitched back up making sure me and my sister were okay. He was there to learn and he was wonderfully supportive. This was nearly 5 years ago now so wherever you are Alfie I hope you’re thriving!
My point is I needed help, all I wanted was someone who could help me, man or woman it didn’t matter. All that matters is if they can do the job, do it well and leave the patient feeling like they’re in safe hands.
Brian-Kellett on
Delivered loads of babies on the ambulances as a bloke. Loads of dads-to-be asking if there was a female crew… and *all* the mums letting dad-to-be know in no uncertain terms that they were quite happy to be seen by a man… sometimes with language that would make a sailor blush 😂
(And because of the area I worked in, we had a large population of Muslim couples, and in training were reminded to be sensitive about such things – and it was *never* a problem – mum-to-be didn’t care in the slightest about what was dangling between my legs when the baby wanted to come out)
_Monsterguy_ on
I’ve been asked a few times by female doctors if I’d like them to fetch a male doctor.
I’m annoyed by the question on their behalf.
shrimplyred169 on
Satan himself could have been delivering my kids – I wouldn’t have given one shit as long as they were out and in one piece.
goldenhawkes on
My mum had a male midwife when she had me, and said she liked the fact he’d have been able to lift her up if she needed it 🤣
I don’t hugely remember specifics of either of my births, first I was high on gas and air (mmm, good stuff) and second baby wanted out and I was on the floor in triage 🤣 when the time comes, you want them out, who cares about what else!
Historical_Cobbler on
Good on him before a long career in a field he must love.
Are there no mandated targets to address the gender imbalance for this area?
runrunrudolf on
I had a male midwife with my first. He was the night shift lead. He was great.
9 commenti
I ended up having an emergency c section when I had my son. The anaesthetist was a man called Andrew and he said I’m going to hold your hand and if you feel anything at all, squeeze my hand and tell me right away what’s wrong. My husband was there too and a whole host of midwives and doctors including junior doctors that were training (male and female).
Andrew was very supportive and we chatted during it. When they got my son out and lifted him over the screen, Andrew and all the midwives and doctors took it in turns to come and say congratulations to me and my husband.
They’re doing a job, they don’t care what your bits look like. I was glad to have Andrew and I bet he’s put hundreds of women going through an emergency c section at ease since then and his female counterparts have as well.
When in labour, I want kindness, professionalism – and appropriate medical training.
There are almost always men in the room at some point. Anaesthetists or obstetricians if you need any kind of medical intervention/ pain meds. I had quite complicated pregnancies – so was in and out of the maternity assessment unit a lot. People taking care of me and my future baby, with reassurance, was more important than a medical professional’s gender.
I remember when I was giving birth, the nurse asked if I was okay with having a student in there to observe and I said yes. His name was Alfie and he was absolutely lovely, when my sister had to leave the room he stepped in to hold my hand when she couldn’t. He stayed with me the whole time, even once I’d had my baby boy he stuck around while I had to be stitched back up making sure me and my sister were okay. He was there to learn and he was wonderfully supportive. This was nearly 5 years ago now so wherever you are Alfie I hope you’re thriving!
My point is I needed help, all I wanted was someone who could help me, man or woman it didn’t matter. All that matters is if they can do the job, do it well and leave the patient feeling like they’re in safe hands.
Delivered loads of babies on the ambulances as a bloke. Loads of dads-to-be asking if there was a female crew… and *all* the mums letting dad-to-be know in no uncertain terms that they were quite happy to be seen by a man… sometimes with language that would make a sailor blush 😂
(And because of the area I worked in, we had a large population of Muslim couples, and in training were reminded to be sensitive about such things – and it was *never* a problem – mum-to-be didn’t care in the slightest about what was dangling between my legs when the baby wanted to come out)
I’ve been asked a few times by female doctors if I’d like them to fetch a male doctor.
I’m annoyed by the question on their behalf.
Satan himself could have been delivering my kids – I wouldn’t have given one shit as long as they were out and in one piece.
My mum had a male midwife when she had me, and said she liked the fact he’d have been able to lift her up if she needed it 🤣
I don’t hugely remember specifics of either of my births, first I was high on gas and air (mmm, good stuff) and second baby wanted out and I was on the floor in triage 🤣 when the time comes, you want them out, who cares about what else!
Good on him before a long career in a field he must love.
Are there no mandated targets to address the gender imbalance for this area?
I had a male midwife with my first. He was the night shift lead. He was great.