Male Midwives Research Articles

Experiences of mothers receiving male midwives’ assistance during childbirth in Kween District, Uganda

This study explored the perceptions and experiences of mothers who were cared for by male midwives (MMWs) during delivery in Kween District. The study utilized a qualitative phenomenological approach to document responses of participants. Data was collected from three health facilities that had male midwives delivering mothers at the time of the study, and targeted postnatal mothers 18-49 years who had been delivered by a MMW in the last 6 months. Thirty-three mothers participated in the study: 15 in individual in-depth interviews and 18 in three focused group discussions. Collected data were transcribed in word, coded in excel and exported to Atlas.t 7 for analysis. Thematic and content analysis were utilized to derive insights from the data collected. The results showed that perceptions varied significantly across participants. Respondents attached certain beliefs and perceptions that the delivery process is an intimate matter that should only be handled by fellow women. Fear and discomfort when touched by a MMW and discomfort by mothers’ partners, came out as strong viewpoints. However, there were strong experiences that MMWs demonstrated supportive, caring, respectful, sympathetic and passionate provision of care. These findings agree with several other studies reviewed during the study. Comprehensive sensitization focused on promoting the utilization of skilled birth attendants regardless of gender is necessary in reducing maternal mortality.

Perception and Acceptance of Male Midwives Among Pregnant Women in Selected General Hospitals in Lagos State

This research was carried out to assess the perception and acceptance of male midwives among pregnant women in selected general hospitals in Lagos State. The objectives of this study were to assess their perception and acceptance; and identify the factors influencing their acceptance of male midwives. A systematic sampling technique was used in selecting three hundred and twenty-seven (327) pregnant women, but only three hundred and twelve (312) of them were validated for the study. A self-developed questionnaire served as the primary instrument of data collection for the study, and the data collected were analyzed and presented on frequency/percentage tables and bar chart(s) using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and Microsoft Excel version 2010. The findings revealed an overall positive perception and good level of acceptance of male midwives among them. The factors influencing their acceptance of male midwives were availability and accessibility of male midwives (67.6%); communication and trust (64.4%); trust in the competence of male midwives (64.1%); peer and family influence (63.5%); personal comfort level with opposite gender healthcare providers (62.8%); personal beliefs and preferences (62.8%); emotional support (60.9%); availability of information and education about male midwives (60.3%); cultural beliefs and norms (59.9%); religious beliefs and practices (58.7%); and previous experiences (52.6%). The study found a significant relationship between their perception and acceptance of male midwives (p < .05); between their age and factors influencing acceptance of male midwives (p < .05). Based on these findings, the study concluded that there is a need to ensure consistency and improvement in their knowledge and perception through proper evaluation and amelioration of the factors influencing their acceptance of male midwives.

Challenges and Impact of Male Midwives in the Improvement of Midwifery Practice in Nigeria

This study explores the Challenges and Impact of Male Midwives in the Improvement of Midwifery Practice in Nigeria. Midwifery practice in Nigeria has been a cornerstone of maternal and newborn healthcare for decades, primarily carried out by female midwives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), midwives in Nigeria provide essential services such as antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care, contributing significantly to improving maternal and infant health outcomes. Materials and Methods: Literature search was conducted from empirical studies utilising 4 database: PubMed, Goggle scholar, Semantics scholar, Research gate using the keywords, male midwives, maternal and child health, male involvement, male midwifery education, gender issues in midwifery. The study analyzed the importance of males in midwifery practice, challenges faced by male midwives and male willingness to involve in midwifery practice. These challenges faced by male midwives in Nigeria may include, overcoming societal norms, navigating gender biases, and addressing workplace dynamics. While specific studies on this topic in Nigeria is limited, broadening the scope of research may help shed light on potential challenges. Conclusion: In conclusion, implementing these strategies in a coordinated manner will enable policymakers, healthcare leaders, and advocacy groups work together to promote gender equality in midwifery practice and create a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment for all.

Perceptions and attitudes of women in the perinatal period towards male midwives in a rural district of Ghana: a descriptive, exploratory qualitative study

ObjectiveThe study sought to explore the perceptions and attitudes of women in the perinatal period towards the reproductive health services of male midwives.DesignThe study adopted an in-depth exploratory descriptive design...

Male midwifery practice and acceptability: attitudes, beliefs, and associated factors among expectant mothers in Savelugu Municipal Hospital, Northern Region of Ghana.

male midwifery is a relatively new phenomenon in Ghana and most expectant mothers still do not recognize their contribution to reproductive healthcare. This study aims to assess the acceptability of male midwifery practice among expectant mothers in Savelugu Municipal Hospital. this was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 391 mothers were recruited using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SAS JMP Pro V16.0. approximately 75.7% of mothers would go to a hospital where male midwives examine and attend to them, and 71.9% accepted to be delivered by a younger male midwife. Also, 70.1% agreed to share their obstetric information with a male midwife, and 43.5% agreed that their religious beliefs allowed them to be delivered by a male midwife. Mothers who had no formal education (aOR=2.23, 95% CI: 1.040-4.788, p=0.039) were more likely to go to a hospital where male midwives examine and attend to them than the others, and mothers who were employed (aOR=3.91, 95% CI: 1.770-8.631, p=0.001) were more likely to accept to be delivered by a male midwife who is younger than them than the others. a significant portion of expectant mothers are open to receiving care and examinations from male midwives, even opting to go to hospitals where male midwives are available for maternal care. This suggests that male midwives can contribute to the health of expectant mothers significantly and should be encouraged to practice their profession.

Sociological Probing of Swathed Cultural Health Systems in Yonibana, Tonkolili District, Northern Sierra Leone

In this sociological inquiry, the researcher explored the pursuit for health and healing in Yonibana, Tonkolili District, Northern Sierra Leone, unearthing the swathed forms of medical awareness and practices. This sociological inquiry organizes to pose novel and further questions about the sociology of health and healing. Incipiently, via published work, then via dominant material and social dialogues. The inquiry negotiates the successive intents: a. To portray the intricate health structure of care in Sierra Leone. b. To portray and scrutinize the social pattern of healthcare seeking behavior in an intricate, inequality and manifold healthcare structure. c. To examine social relations of cultural authority, shame and inequity in a manifold healthcare structure. d. To scan expansive social reflections of how both women and men in Northern Sierra Leone appreciate, steer and utilize divergent shapes of healthcare structures. This inquiry depicts that women and men in this district of Sierra Leone trek an intricate tour in search of their well-being challenged by the cultural inequalities and intricacies of district health care structures. The inquiry summarises by depicting that the folks of this district, manifest agency in their health practices, and their health seeking behaviour and actions are adjusted in an effort to facilitate their wellness. Given the gendered and patriarchal context of Sierra Leonean culture, the findings of this study are perhaps surprising that birthing women reported male midwives to be more gentle, calm, and respectful than female midwives, and that nurses who work in rural health posts are perceived to be more respectful than the nurses who work at central hospitals, thus these findings may suggest more need to explore these two themes.

The evaluation of men introduced in midwifery in the United Kingdom: A gender perspective

AbstractTo explore the role of pilot tests in developing gender policies, this study investigates their use of policy‐making for the introduction of male midwives in the United Kingdom. A literature review was performed, and data that contradicted the statements of researchers studying male midwives or male midwives who had participated in the pilots were excluded. Any uncertainties were clarified through consultation with nursing and midwifery associations. The United Kingdom's Midwives Act 1902 initially restricted midwifery to women. However, the Sex Discrimination Act 1973 debates led to the consideration of introducing male midwives. While professional associations resisted, public bodies supported it, on the condition that it guaranteed women's right to select the gender of their attendant midwives. The government decided to conduct pilots to assess the acceptability of male midwives and the financial implications of having chaperones with male midwives. Despite pressure from the European Commission, the decision to permit male midwives across the United Kingdom, made in 1984, was withheld until the results of the pilots were available. However, substantive gender equality issues, such as the working conditions for male midwives, remain largely unexplored. To ensure gender inclusivity in midwifery, scientific pilot tests focusing on both formative and substantive equality are recommended.

Female Genital Mutilation: A Religio-cultural Sensitive Issue Determining Maternal Healthcare Choices among Somali Women in Dadaab Refugee Camp, Kenya

This paper focuses on Kenya’s development challenges in maternal health care, especially the impact of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and female genital mutilation (FGM) among the refugees. The study identifies four objectives: to discuss the persistence of FGM among Somali women in Ifo Refugee Camp; to establish the hospital process of providing maternal health care to mothers who have gone through FGM; to find out the level of preparedness of the midwives to handle mothers with religio-cultural concerns such as prayer and non-involvement of male nurses; and how the practice of FGM contributes to the preference of TBA by mothers. This study assumes that midwives’ training may not have effectively addressed FGM, a social-cultural sensitive issue affecting childbirth and care. The specific support of midwives in refugee camps contexts also remains limited. A qualitative research approach was used in the study, involving Snowballing sampling method, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). These methods brought out pertinent issues that make TBAs the preferential option for some mothers despite the presence of level 4 category hospitals in the refugee camps. In case of birth complications, the mother’s choice for TBA delays the family’s decision to take her to the hospital and for healthcare workers to save mother and child. The shortage of midwives and the presence of male midwives in hospitals make some Somali mothers seek assistance from TBAs. There is a need to contextualize midwifery training by enhancing the curriculum with evidence-based/mother-centered skills.

Sarah Fox, Giving Birth in Eighteenth-Century England

Sarah Fox’s Giving Birth in Eighteenth-Century England had a long gestational period. It began as an MA thesis, became a PhD thesis and is now a book. Meticulously researched, its central claim is that ‘birthing is a process’ that can last up to 6 weeks and should not be seen as a singular event (p. 1). It includes the late stages of pregnancy, as well as labour and delivery, and the lying-in period after birth. Fox’s work is less concerned with accoucheurs or male midwives, midwifery treatises, lying-in hospitals, and birthing instruments and techniques, though at times each is mentioned. Its primary focus is on the social nature of birth and what happens in and around the birthing chamber. Central to this work are details from the nearly 1,000 letters from the collections of three women: Frances Ingram, an aristocrat who lived outside of London; Elizabeth Shackleton, a gentry woman who lived in Gretna Green, and Rebekah Bateman, the daughter of a congregationalist minister and wife of a cotton dealer in Manchester. These women lived at different times in the eighteenth century, and Fox weaves in details related to pregnancy and childbirth from letters they wrote or received with information from eighteenth-century midwifery treaties, court records from the Northern Circuit, poor law records and primary and secondary research on eighteenth-century childbirth. Attentive to both geography and social class, Fox tells readers that most sources used in the book ‘relate to the north of England’ and that viewing childbirth ‘in non-exceptional ways’ is a main goal of the work (p. 9).

Carrying All Before Her: Celebrity Pregnancy and the London Stage, 1689–1800

Carrying All Before Her: Celebrity Pregnancy and the London Stage, 1689–1800

Effect of natural abiotic soil vibrations, rainfall and wind on anuran calling behavior: a test with captive-bred midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans).

Anurans are known to detect vibrations, but few studies explore relationships between vibrations and resultant behaviors. We studied the reaction of calling captive-bred male midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans) to the randomized playback of a vibrational crescendo stimulus train. We considered two sources of natural abiotic vibrational stimuli: rainfall and wind. Rainfall was expected to induce calling and wind was expected to inhibit it. Playback experiments with two synthetic tones (200Hz and 300Hz) tested the sensitivity to pure tones and could possibly reveal a hearing sensitivity trend between these frequencies. The toads did not increase call rate in response to rainfall vibrations and only one of the five wind stimulus levels caused a significant decrease in call rate. This limited response could be explained, because the tested toads came from a captive population, where emergence may not be mediated by rainfall vibrations. We found that A. obstetricans is highly sensitive to very low frequencies, which could explain the sensitivity observed to vibrational stimuli. Playback of a random crescendo stimulus train proves to be a valid approach for addressing behavioral questions. However, the use of a captive population may have been a limitation in the clarity of the results.

A Medium to History

William Hunter, a male midwife, was author of an anatomy atlas that featured pregnant cadavers as specimens. He lived in the building that later became the Lyric Theatre. Through an examination of the Lyric Theatre as a hauntological site, and the experience of psychosis, a proposed paradigm shift for theatre and performance historiography emerges: the phenomenology of dyschronia.

Female Genital Mutilation: A Religio-Cultural Sensitive Issue Determining Maternal Health Care Choices among Somali Women in Dadaab Refugee Camp, Kenya

The paper addresses Kenya’s development challenges in maternal health care with a specific focus on the impact of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and female genital mutilation (FGM) among the refugees. It purposes to achieve four objectives: to discuss the persistence of FGM among Somali women in Ifo Refugee Camp, to establish the hospital process of providing maternal health care to mothers who have gone through FGM; find out the level of preparedness of the midwives to handle mothers with religio- cultural concerns such as prayer, non-involvement of male nurses and how the practice of FGM contributes to the preference of TBA by mothers. The study assumes that midwives’ training may not have effectively addressed FGM, a social-cultural sensitive issue affecting childbirth and care. Secondly, the specific support of midwives in refugee camps contexts remains limited. A qualitative research approach was used in the study, involving Snowballing sampling method, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). These methods brought out pertinent issues that make TBAs the preferential option for some mothers in spite of the presence of level 4 category hospitals in the refugee camps. In case of birth complications, the mother’s choice for TBA delays the family’s decision to take her to the hospital and for health care workers to save mother and child. The shortage of midwives and the presence of male midwives in hospitals make some Somali mothers seek assistance from TBAs. There is a need to contextualize midwifery training by enhancing the curriculum with evidence-based /mother-centered skills.

Female Genital Mutilation: A Religio-Cultural Sensitive Issue Determining Maternal Health Care Choices among Somali Women in Dadaab Refugee Camp, Kenya

The paper addresses Kenya’s development challenges in maternal health care with a specific focus on the impact of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and female genital mutilation (FGM) among the refugees. It purposes to achieve four objectives: to discuss the persistence of FGM among Somali women in Ifo Refugee Camp, to establish the hospital process of providing maternal health care to mothers who have gone through FGM; find out the level of preparedness of the midwives to handle mothers with religio- cultural concerns such as prayer, non-involvement of male nurses and how the practice of FGM contributes to the preference of TBA by mothers. The study assumes that midwives’ training may not have effectively addressed FGM, a social-cultural sensitive issue affecting childbirth and care. Secondly, the specific support of midwives in refugee camps contexts remains limited. A qualitative research approach was used in the study, involving Snowballing sampling method, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). These methods brought out pertinent issues that make TBAs the preferential option for some mothers in spite of the presence of level 4 category hospitals in the refugee camps. In case of birth complications, the mother’s choice for TBA delays the family’s decision to take her to the hospital and for health care workers to save mother and child. The shortage of midwives and the presence of male midwives in hospitals make some Somali mothers seek assistance from TBAs. There is a need to contextualize midwifery training by enhancing the curriculum with evidence-based /mother-centered skills.

The Context of Male Midwives Among Rural Communities

Midwifery is a profession that provides care for women, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. Despite the increasing number of men finishing a degree in midwifery, many people assume that only women can be midwives. Thus, this study aimed to identify the context of rural communities toward the practice of midwifery by men. Further, it explored the reasons for whether they will avail of the services of male midwives. The study was conducted on 14 women and four men residing in the rural areas of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Respondents were accessed through purposive sampling based on the inclusion criteria: A researcher-made interview guide was used in obtaining qualitative data from the respondents. The responses were elicited through a semistructured, individual in-depth interview. Data collection was continued until data saturation was met. Ethical principles were followed throughout the process. Data were transcribed, coded, and categorized to obtain the results of the study. In this study, although male midwives are perceived as professionals and well trained, women still prefer female midwives and express their doubts about the men’s capability to provide care, especially during delivery and childbirth. The respondents also expressed feelings of embarrassment on showing their bodies to a man other than their husband or partner. On the contrary, their willingness to avail of their services depends on whether they can perform and provide quality care. From these findings, the Department of Health and local government units may increase the presence of male midwives by hiring them in different health facilities. This may eventually help them be well known and accepted in the healthcare profession.

Benefits of paternal thermoregulation: male midwife toads select warmer temperature to shorten embryonic development

Benefits of paternal thermoregulation: male midwife toads select warmer temperature to shorten embryonic development

Experiences of women receiving reproductive health services from male midwives: a qualitative study in Bole District, Savannah Region of Ghana, West Africa

INTRODUCTION: Reproductive health services are necessary for women of age groups. To ensure that women have access to reproductive services the training of midwives in Ghana was scaled up to include males. Male midwives are becoming more popular, but their acceptability is not universal. Some argue that males should not be allowed in the birthing room since they have never experienced childbirth. There is a misconception that delivery is beyond the capabilities of men. The purpose of the study was to explore the expectations and experiences of women receiving reproductive care from male midwives in Bole District of Northern Ghana.

Midwives' self-perceived confidence in their knowledge and skills in Kenya: An observational cross-sectional study

BackgroundMidwives’ confidence in the requisite knowledge, skills and behavior acquired during training is essential for high-quality pregnancy and childbirth care and positive experiences by women and newborns. PurposeAssess the midwives’ self-perceived confidence in their knowledge and skills based on ICM competencies in Kenya. MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study among 576 midwives from 31 public hospitals using a self-administered questionnaire. Confidence categorized as low, moderate or high and relationships between confidence and midwives’ characteristics tested by Kruskal-Wallis tests. FindingsA total of 495 (85.9%) midwives participated in the study with a median age of 37.0 (32.0–43.0). Most of the midwives were diploma nurse/midwives (295, 59.6%) followed by degree nurse/midwives (156, 31.5%) and diploma midwives (44, 8.9%). Majority of the midwives had high confidence in knowledge (57.2%) and skills (62.0%) in the labor and birth domain while the general competency domain had the least confidence in knowledge (30.5%) and skills (36.6%). Male midwives reported high confidence in skills compared to females (57.7% vs 45.0%, P = 0.036) with no differences in knowledge (P = 0.148). Midwives in tertiary hospitals reported higher confidence in knowledge and skills compared to those at county/sub-county hospitals (P < 0.001). There were significant differences between midwives’ qualifications and confidence in knowledge on the general competency domain (P = 0.02) and skills in the labor and birth domain (P = 0.017). ConclusionsLabour and childbirth domain and working in tertiary facilities were associated with high confidence in knowledge and skills. In-service capacity building opportunities for midwives to build their confidence in obstetric care is needed.

Susan Mitchell Sommers, &lt;i&gt;The Siblys of London: A Family on the Esoteric Fringes of Georgian England&lt;/i&gt;

Even though William and Catherine Blake are mentioned on only a handful of pages, Blakeans will be thoroughly intrigued by Susan Mitchell Sommers’s The Siblys of London: A Family on the Esoteric Fringes of Georgian London for its portrayal of groups and eclectic discourses close to, and sometimes touching, the Blakes. The Siblys were a family of booksellers who specialized in the occult, publishing on such topics as astrology, alchemy, witchcraft, and prophecy. The book focuses largely on the two oldest brothers, Manoah (1757–​1840), a Swedenborgian minister and Bank of England employee, whom the Blakes almost certainly met, and Ebenezer (1750–​99), a bookseller, freemason, quack, astrologer, political operative, bigamist, and self-described male midwife and alchemist. As Sommers points out, when the Siblys have been considered at all, they have been examined from various disciplinary frames that often misconstrued their larger lives and work. Accordingly, one of the real strengths of the book is Sommers’s careful engagement with, and correction of, the existing scholarship, based on detailed, documented research.

Male common midwife toad Alytes obstetricans depositing eggs in a flowerpot saucer in a suburban garden?

Male common midwife toad Alytes obstetricans depositing eggs in a flowerpot saucer in a suburban garden?