The story above from the BBC website today is a wonderful talking point. Have a look at it and let us know what you think.
It is interesting that I taught both Nursing classes last year and there were males in both but your group is female only. I'm not sure how the other group is made up gender wise.
Anyway, let me know what you think. No judgements made on this blog!
I am so excited for this guy, why shouldn't he? he isn't doing anything illegal and there are women who do what would be thought of as men's jobs too, I worked in a male environment for 10 years with males ALWAYS trying to put my work down thinking I didn't know as much as them, but who got promoted? Me. I was a young girl when I experienced child birth and apart from being terrified of what was happening I also had to deal with male doctors and on a few occasions, a male midwife and the only person who and issue was my mum so it may be its a few things here; a generation thing and personal preference. However I do think that in this day and age there shouldn't be an issue with changing rooms and can't believe he turned up and they didn't know where to put him poor guy. He is doing a wonderful thing and I think more men should look into this and nursing in general. I think of Billy supporting two friends in childbirth and I think that even what those women went through they still felt Billy was approachable even though he was male to be with them and again this is preference and also based on the person.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Nicola. This article piqued my interest, because one of my best friend's wife is a midwife and they have a midwife (midhusband?) in their Department. She told me a number of years ago that many expectant mothers didn't wish for a male to be involved in the birth and maybe that attitude has been a factor in so few males wishing to follow that career path? I don't know. I guess this is arguably still a sensitive issue and perhaps comes down to a matter of choice in the end? I am looking forward to hearing what other members of the class think on this topic. It is a great discussion point and I think I will add this into the moral dilemmas scenarios next year. Learning and teaching should always be dynamic and proactive after all! Thanks for your comments.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was pregnant I was worried about people seeing 'down there' when the baby was coming. It didn't matter what the persons gender was. However, by the time it came to it I was in too much pain and too in love with my Gas & Air that I didn't even care that the room at one point held about 13 people (There were some issues finding baby's heartbeat - he was totally fine, just acting up) including a very cute, young male student doctor.
ReplyDeleteWhile I can understand why some women may take issue with a strange man 'being down there' I would rather have the person best qualified to deliver my baby safely. My opinion is that if he or she is good at their job (and seem nice) then they can treat me/my baby regardless of gender.
I am proud of him and all the other male midwives for following their hearts and doing the job that makes them happy.
Steph O