By Laura Michell
Midwives at The Northern Hospital were celebrated on May 5, with the health service marking International Day of the Midwife. Gary Lloyd is the hospital’s sole male midwife.
How long have you been a midwife?
I have been a midwife for 30 years. I have been doing nursing and midwifery for 37 years all up.
Why did you decide to become a midwife?
During my general nursing training, I had to get experience in all areas such as the emergency department and ICU. I quite liked being an ED nurse, but I wanted to specialise. In ICU, your patients are very sick and families are very distressed and I felt I couldn’t make a connection with my patients. I did a gynecology and midwifery unit and I really enjoyed it – everyone was happy and thankful for the work you do.
You are the only male midwife at The Northern Hospital – do you find that challenging?
I am the only male midwife here, but there are plenty of others around Melbourne. I believe I might be one of the longest serving and I have no plans to retire. I use humour a lot to help my patients feel comfortable and often find that if you can win over dad, then you can help make mum more comfortable.
What is the best part of your job?
It doesn’t feel like a job. A lot of the girls I work with here I have worked with elsewhere, so it doesn’t feel like I am coming to work each day – and I get to deliver babies.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a midwife?
Caring for distressed parents. When I was younger, the emotion didn’t affect me, but it gets to me now.
How long have you worked at The Northern?
About three years ago, I started working here. I love the multiculturalism here and how different patients have different ideas and things to say.
How many babies have you delivered?
It would be in the thousands … I worked solely in delivery for 25 years.
