What men think of midwives

It is now widely accepted that woman-centred maternity care is important. But surely planners and service providers should also examine the needs of expectant fathers? A postal survey of a randomly selected sample of 837 fathers-to-be throughout the UK found that midwives are not meeting all men's information and support needs. Although midwives were more highly rated than GPs and hospital doctors, men felt that midwives could still listen to them more, enable them to ask questions and explain things to help them better understand physical processes, clinical procedures, the baby's behaviour and their partner's needs. Most men wanted to be involved in their partner's pregnancy and care, but many felt left out by health professionals. Men play a pivotal role in supporting their partner during pregnancy and influence women's baby-feeding choices and esteem after giving birth. It is crucial that midwives see men not as an extra burden, but as individuals with needs of their own who are usually the main supporters of the women and babies at the centre of midwifery care.