Gender Considerations in Choosing a Midwife: Personal Insights and Industry Perspectives

Choosing a midwife is a deeply personal decision that often involves balancing expectations, preferences, and practical considerations. Much like selecting a doctor, the gender of the midwife is not typically the primary factor in the decision-making process. This article delves into the nuances of gender preferences in midwifery, drawing from personal experiences and industry insights.

Is Gender a Priority?

The idea that a woman might want a male midwife may seem counterintuitive, but the reality is that for many, gender is a secondary concern. Just as women might not have strong feelings about the gender of their doctors, midwifery is seen as a professional role rather than a gender-specific one. As one woman puts it:

“I literally would not care what gender my midwife was as long as they were in sync with me and supported me to have my babies safely and to feed them afterwards.”

This sentiment aligns with the general view that the most critical aspect of midwifery is professional competence and empathy. When women are expecting, their primary focus is on the well-being of the baby, not the gender of the healthcare provider.

Comparisons with Doctors

The comparison with choosing a doctor can provide a useful framework. Women may have different preferences when choosing a doctor, but ultimately, a doctor’s ability to diagnose and treat symptoms is the key factor. Similarly, a midwife’s ability to provide safe and effective care during childbirth is paramount. As another woman notes:

“Would a woman ever want a man for a doctor? Occasionally, a woman says she'd rather have a female doctor, but other women say they like having a male doctor. But basically, it’s a job and we don’t much care what gender the person doing it is as long as they do it well.”

This sentiment underscores that in both medical and midwifery professions, the core requirement is professional competence rather than gender.

Practical Considerations and Systemic Issues

While gender may not be a primary concern, there can be practical considerations that influence the decision. For instance, systemic issues such as sexism can affect how female midwives are perceived and treated. A woman’s experience during childbirth can be impacted by these biases. She might say:

“Actually, something which may be a factor is that the sexism which is built into the system often results in midwives having a harder than necessary time because they are women and perceived as lesser or at least easier to push around. A male midwife might make the powers that be sit and think before coming out with some of the stupidity I’ve seen. Home birth midwives are expected to jump through a ridiculous number of hoops for no obvious reason. I suspect a man saying ‘Why this’ might help.”

Systemic issues can indeed influence the experience and perception of midwifery. This highlights the importance of advocating for fair treatment and unbiased practices within the midwifery profession.

Personal Experiences and Wider Perspectives

Personal experiences can vary widely. Another woman’s perspective is also worth noting. She shares:

“Ever is a big word, and all women are different. I personally wouldn’t care what gender my midwife was as long as they were professional and caring. I was a patient of two male OB/GYNs, and both were awesome. I do not doubt that some women would specifically prefer them to be male, I have seen accounts on women's online forums that ‘some female OB/GYNs are so careless like you are a piece of meat to them, shut up and stop complaining I know it doesn’t hurt, but men are very polite and careful always, such a safe and attentive exam.’

This reflects the diversity of experiences and preferences among women. It emphasizes that what works for one may not work for another, and that personal preference plays a significant role in the decision-making process.

Ultimately, the choice of midwife depends on a variety of factors, including the woman's personal comfort and trust in the midwife, professional competency, and the socio-cultural context in which the birth is taking place. The gender of the midwife may not be the most critical factor, but it can play a role in shaping the overall experience.

As the conversation around gender equality and inclusivity continues to evolve, it is important to recognize the diverse needs and preferences of women when it comes to birthing options. Microdictions and systemic issues must also be addressed to ensure that all midwives, regardless of gender, are treated equitably and can provide the best care possible.