Alumni 60 second Interview: Jamie McDade, male midwife
We took 60 seconds with Jamie McDade, a recent Midwifery graduate to find out what inspired him to become one of the few male midwives in the UK.
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Can you give me a brief outline of your career to date?
I joined the Royal Air Force in 1997 and trained in ground electronics, IT networking and data & satellite communications. In 2001, I left the RAF to work for a global defence contractor doing similar work. By 2003 I had two children and my work life was becoming rather mundane, so I decided on a change in career.
What inspired you to become a midwife?
The care my partner and I got during her second pregnancy and the birth of my youngest son drew me in. It started as a gut feeling, and I gave it a long year of serious thought before turning it into cold, hard ambition.
Was it a difficult decision to work in a female-dominated environment?
Not really. From the second I started training as a midwife I’ve had an ever growing passion for the role. I’d be happy to work in a minefield, which I guess a female-dominated environment can sometimes resemble!
How do women and their partners react to the fact that their midwife is male?
I think most are surprised to have a guy providing their maternity care, but I talk my way through that initial surprise and build a great relationship. Occasionally - and I could count the instances on one hand - gender is an issue and a female midwife is requested, but this is usually on grounds of religion or culture.
Can you describe your typical day?
Long. I work as part of the team on a busy delivery suite so we could be providing antenatal care to women at any stage of their pregnancy, caring for women in labour or caring for mum and baby immediately after delivery. No two days are the same which is one of the reasons I love my career so much.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
All of it, if I’m honest. The people I meet and care for come from every walk of life, so I’ve had some fantastic conversations and learnt a lot too. I get to cuddle babies and see new dad’s light up when they see their baby for the first time, plus I love the people I work with.
What’s been your biggest challenge so far?
Midwifery is challenging in its entirety, which is another reason I love it so much. The knowledge and skills required to carry out the role effectively are immense, so you never stop learning or needing to learn.
If you weren’t a midwife what would you be doing?
Talking to a life coach about my lack of ambition! I can’t imagine doing anything else. I really feel that this is what I was born to do.
What are your plans for your career?
I’m ambitious and I’ll take career steps when I’m ready to, but its early days. I’m still wet behind the ears and I’ve got so much learning to do.
What advice would you give to people wanting to work in your profession?
Do it. It’s hard work, completely emotionally and physically draining at times, but there isn’t a more rewarding career. You learn a lot about yourself. You get front row seats to the happiest time in people’s lives, and you get to do it day after day.
Date posted: February 1, 2011
