Male Midwives: Breaking Barriers and Building Trust

Birth is one of the biggest moments in life — and the care you get along the way matters. The right support can shape how you remember your experience for years to come.

When most people hear “midwife,” they picture a woman. But more men are stepping into this work, and they’re bringing thoughtful, skilled, and compassionate care to families. Male midwives still only represent under 1% of all midwives in the USA, but their numbers are growing!

Many of our new clients are surprised to learn that we have a male midwife on our team, David Carter-Plake M. Ed., BSM, LM, CPM, C-EFM. He is a Licensed Midwife and Certified Professional Midwife, and serves as both a midwife and our team’s Clinical Director. David is a client favorite, and we hope this blog post helps you learn more about the benefits of having a male midwife on your team!

Let’s look at male midwives — who they are, what they do, and some of the questions that can come up when choosing one.

Unsure if having a male midwife is for you?

It’s normal to have preferences when choosing a provider — especially for something as intimate and life-changing as birth.

Here are a few common reasons people might pause before choosing a male midwife:

• Tradition: Midwifery has always been a woman-led field. Many of us just picture a female midwife by default.
• Experience: Some people wonder if a man can really understand pregnancy and birth without living it himself.
• Privacy: Birth is raw and vulnerable. Having a male provider present can bring up discomfort for some.
• Culture or faith: In some families, beliefs or traditions guide who can be present during birth.

These feelings are real and valid. Often, though, they shift with good communication, trust, and positive experience.

What a Midwife Actually Does

Midwives are more than “the person who catches the baby.” They provide care through the whole journey:

• Prenatal: Check-ups for you and your baby, answering questions, and getting you ready for birth.
• Birth: Guiding you through labor, supporting your choices, and keeping everyone safe.
• Postpartum: Helping with recovery, newborn care, and breastfeeding support.
• Well-woman care: Things like family planning, yearly exams, and reproductive health support.

Midwives are trained professionals who focus on normal, healthy pregnancy and birth. They take a whole-person approach, centering your choices and experience. You’ll find them in hospitals, birth centers, and homes.

Male Midwives vs. Male OB/GYNs

While male midwives are still rare, many male OB/GYNs work in women’s health. It’s important to understand that male midwives are midwives – their training & approach are entirely different from that of OB/GYNs. An OBGYN is a medical doctor who provides a broader range of medical and surgical services, including managing high-risk pregnancies and performing surgeries. Midwives (of all genders!) are specialists in normal birth and often bring a slower, more personal approach to care.

The presence of male midwives enriches the landscape of maternity care, offering more choices and breaking down traditional barriers. Ultimately, the most important factor in choosing a provider is finding someone who makes you feel safe, respected, and confident in their care, regardless of their gender.

What matters most isn’t your provider’s gender — it’s whether you feel safe, respected, and supported with them by your side.