Parité : hommes sage-femme

Summary

Sylvain, a male midwife at the Princess Grace Hospital, has been practicing for 11 years. Originally interested in psychiatry, he discovered his passion for midwifery after a discussion with the director of the midwifery school in Nice. Despite being one of the few men in a female-dominated field, Sylvain feels no difference working alongside his female colleagues. He takes pride in supporting women during childbirth, building trust, and guiding future midwives. His dedication has made him a respected figure in the maternity ward, and he hopes to inspire more men to join the profession.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Sylvain has worked at the maternity unit of Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace for 11 years but is neither a doctor nor a nurse; he is a male midwife.
• 👶 Originally wanting to pursue psychiatry, Sylvain enrolled in medical school but switched to midwifery after discussing with the school director.
• 🤝 Sylvain was drawn to midwifery because of its focus on supporting and accompanying women, especially during childbirth.
• 💼 He alternates between working in the delivery room and postpartum care, helping mothers before and after childbirth.
• 💪 Being a male in a predominantly female profession is not a disadvantage for Sylvain, and he feels no difference from his female colleagues.
• 🧑‍🏫 Sylvain takes on a mentoring role by training Emma, a young student midwife, and emphasizes the importance of practical skills during childbirth.
• 🔄 Before 1982, the midwifery profession was closed to men in France, but today men represent 3% of the 23,000 midwives in the country.
• 🕒 Building trust with patients is crucial for Sylvain, who believes that gender does not matter when caring for someone during vulnerable times like childbirth.
• 🙌 He finds great fulfillment when patients express gratitude for his care, considering it the best reward.
• 🚀 Sylvain hopes to inspire other men to join the midwifery profession and broaden its representation.

Q & A

Who is Sylvain and what is his profession?

Sylvain is a male midwife working at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace in Monaco. He has been in the profession for 11 years.

Why did Sylvain choose to become a midwife?

Initially, Sylvain wanted to pursue psychiatry but after talking to the director of the school of midwifery in Nice, he realized that midwifery aligned with his desire to provide care and support, particularly through accompanying women during childbirth.

How does Sylvain describe the role of a midwife?

Sylvain highlights that holding a woman's hand during childbirth is a significant part of the job, emphasizing emotional support and the importance of building trust with the patient.

What challenges does Sylvain face as a male midwife in a predominantly female profession?

Sylvain does not see being a man as a disadvantage. He mentions that there is no significant difference between him and his female colleagues and that patients generally appreciate his calm and professional demeanor, regardless of his gender.

How common are male midwives in France?

Male midwives are rare. In 2018, out of approximately 23,000 midwives in France, only 3% were men.

What is Sylvain's relationship with the team at the hospital?

Sylvain built a strong relationship with the team at the hospital through successive internships, which helped both him and the team to know each other better, making his eventual hiring process smoother.

What special task does Sylvain have in the video?

Sylvain is tasked with training Emma, a young student midwife, taking his role as a mentor very seriously.

How does Sylvain ensure patient comfort during childbirth?

Sylvain emphasizes the importance of creating a trusting relationship with his patients and ensuring they feel supported throughout the process. He believes this trust is crucial, especially during long labor.

What does Sylvain consider the most rewarding aspect of his job?

Sylvain finds the most rewarding part of his job to be when patients thank him and the team for their support during childbirth, as it reflects the positive impact of their care.

What future goals does Sylvain have for his profession?

Sylvain hopes to inspire more men to consider midwifery as a career, aiming to break down the gender stereotypes associated with the profession.