MIDWIFE is a role more often associated with women, but Basildon Hospital, which serves the Thurrock community, is home to four midwives.
As part of International Day of the Midwife (Sunday 5 May), which celebrates midwives, we met Howard Katyamba, who qualified as a midwife in Zambia, southern Africa, seven years ago .
It’s almost 50 years since men were first allowed to train as midwives in the UK, but with fewer than 200 midwives across the country, they still make up a tiny proportion of the profession.
Asked about her motivation for becoming a midwife, Howard, who has worked at Basildon Hospital since 2022, said: “When I started studying nursing I did a combination of nursing and midwifery. woman and fell in love with the midwifery profession during my training period. I haven’t looked back since.
“I like what I do. The smiles I share with the families I care for are irreplaceable. This is a defining moment in their lives, I am incredibly proud to play this role in the important and unfolding story of their lives. It is an immense privilege to be a midwife.
Howard explained that many of the women and birth partners he met were initially surprised to see a male midwife, but after involving the partners, talking and sharing knowledge, they were quickly put to comfortable and received the best possible care.
New mum Alexandra Gliga, who gave birth in Basildon and was supported by Howard as a midwife, said: “Having a male midwife was a positive surprise! Howard was incredibly professional, supportive and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire birthing process.
“Her gender never played a role; his skills and compassion were what mattered most. Howard explained everything to me so I could understand and I felt very comfortable and safe.
As a midwife, Howard was initially worried about fitting in, but her experience was overwhelmingly positive. He said: “I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the best midwives at Basildon Teaching Hospital. Everyone has been incredibly supportive, they have an unquenchable and selfless spirit, and they constantly strive to provide the best care possible and I am proud to be a part of this team.
Deborah Goldsmith, director of midwifery at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Male midwives provide a unique and important perspective to our maternity services and we are delighted to have Howard as part of our team midwives,
international experience and perspectives are invaluable assets and her passion for patient care is truly inspiring.
