male HV
- Thread starter Tezzy
- Start date
Sorry to resurrect this post but i read it with interest.
I am a male Health Visitor and have been qualified for 6 years now. I can see both sides but would like to give my own opinion. I think its more about who you are as a person and professional rather than what you are (male or female). I can count on one hand the number of mums and dads that wanted to see a female HV instead of me but I always give parents the choice. I think this forms the basis of a good relationship.
To be honest I have had more problems with some of my female colleagues accepting me than any of the mums I have worked with. The "how can you talk to a new mum about breastfeeding without the personal experience". But I see it as an advantage as I have none of my own baggage to bring to the discussion, and mums especially those wanting not to breastfeed find that helpful and refreshing. I will also tend to use my local breastfeeding support workers alot more and had a wry smile last year as my breastfeeding rates were amongst the highest. With experience comes that ability to tune into mums, I know which mums feel comfotable feeding in front of me and which ones don't
But my job is so much more than that as I will be part of your family until your children go to school. Along the way there will be the discussions about immunisations, weaning, child development, sleep deprivation and toddler tantums....
I am a male Health Visitor and have been qualified for 6 years now. I can see both sides but would like to give my own opinion. I think its more about who you are as a person and professional rather than what you are (male or female). I can count on one hand the number of mums and dads that wanted to see a female HV instead of me but I always give parents the choice. I think this forms the basis of a good relationship.
To be honest I have had more problems with some of my female colleagues accepting me than any of the mums I have worked with. The "how can you talk to a new mum about breastfeeding without the personal experience". But I see it as an advantage as I have none of my own baggage to bring to the discussion, and mums especially those wanting not to breastfeed find that helpful and refreshing. I will also tend to use my local breastfeeding support workers alot more and had a wry smile last year as my breastfeeding rates were amongst the highest. With experience comes that ability to tune into mums, I know which mums feel comfotable feeding in front of me and which ones don't
But my job is so much more than that as I will be part of your family until your children go to school. Along the way there will be the discussions about immunisations, weaning, child development, sleep deprivation and toddler tantums....
tu123
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Female or male they can either be good or bad. We have a male one. I didnt see him after the first time as i was trying to get some help about my breastfeeding issues. He just looked at my boobs and said "yes, it can be difficult". It was a great help!
But you may end up with a really good one!
But you may end up with a really good one!
tu123
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The 1st hv who came to my house was male! I wasn't expecting anyone as they hadn't made an appointment so was pretty confused when he said he was the hv!haven't seen him since though - apparently he heads the team so every time I go to the clinic he isn't there.
purplepower
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I would not have an issue seeing a male HV, I think they can give advice about all manner of things and why should a woman be more able to give breastfeeding advice, she may not have breastfed anyway. I think we need more male HVs. I am a nurse and have loved all of the male nurses I have worked with, I think it shows a real dedication and love of a job to go into a predominately female profession.
