When you think of a midwife, do you picture a woman or a man? Most people automatically imagine a female midwife. Tobias wants to change that and advocates for more diversity in the profession. He works as a midwife in a hospital and shares in this interview what his daily routine looks like, how parents react to a male midwife, and what he hopes for the future.

How do you refer to your profession?

I describe myself as a midwife. I quickly realized that most people don’t understand the term “Entbindungspfleger,” and “Geburtshelfer” actually refers to gynecologists. When I started saying “midwife,” everyone understood that my work includes prenatal care, birth support, and postpartum care.

We are midwives—regardless of gender.

How did you become a male midwife in a female-dominated field?

I was inspired by my mother, who worked as a midwife for almost 40 years. Growing up, I saw what it means to work shifts and sacrifice holidays like Easter and Christmas. I also learned early on about the great responsibility the profession carries.

My path began with an internship in nursing, which I enjoyed, but it wasn’t quite the right fit. During an internship in the delivery room, I realized that this is exactly the work I wanted to do.

What does your daily routine as a hospital midwife look like?

I primarily work in the delivery room, supporting women and couples throughout birth. This includes monitoring labor progress, checking vital signs, and offering massages or relaxing baths.

Administrative tasks are also part of the job, and unfortunately, they take up a lot of midwifery time. We aim to outsource these tasks so we can spend more time with mothers and families.

What has been your most memorable experience as a midwife?

There are so many, but it’s always the births themselves that make the work special. Seeing women and families happy and healthy after birth is the most rewarding part of the job.

What has been the biggest challenge?

There are many challenges. The profession and training have shaped me tremendously. You need to develop a thick skin to avoid letting everything get to you.

Demanding births that require a lot of attention, positions, and interventions can be challenging—but when a birth ends successfully and everyone is well, it reassures me that the effort was worth it.

How do expectant parents and colleagues react to you as a male midwife?

Reactions vary. Some parents may prefer not to have a male midwife, and we accommodate that if possible. Some colleagues feel men don’t belong in this field, though fortunately, that’s rare. Otherwise, I work like any other midwife, focusing on the best care for mother and child.

Why do you share your work on Instagram and in the media?

I want to show the diversity of midwives and how we work. We can’t expect more people to join the profession if we don’t open it to all genders.

It’s also important to improve working conditions and encourage collaboration. This ensures more midwives in delivery rooms and more opportunities for everyone entering the field.

Why do you think so few men become midwives?

The profession needs to be more inclusive. I don’t want to pressure men, but I encourage anyone interested to try an internship to see what the work is like. Another factor is the enormous responsibility involved, which may deter some people.

What do you hope for the future of midwifery?

I hope midwives gain more visibility and better working conditions—both in hospitals and out-of-hospital care. This includes fairer financial compensation. And of course, I hope for many more safe and joyful births.

To unwind after work, I like going for walks, meeting family and friends, or spending time with my pets.

What advice do you have for expectant parents?

Don’t worry too much. Fear of the unknown is natural, but it shouldn’t become overwhelming. Avoid excessive online research, as much of the information can be misleading.

Parenthood is a learning process—you’ll make mistakes, but that’s normal. Focus on the upcoming experience calmly and avoid unnecessary stress. As midwives, we’re here to support and guide parents, answer questions, and provide reassurance throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond.