Male midwife Terry is truly one of a kind

Brisbane father-of-three Terry Cameron is breaking down stereotypes one baby at a time as the only male midwife to work at Australia’s largest maternity services provider.

 

The Mater Mothers’ Hospital midwife has delivered thousands of babies over the past 32 years and says he is proud to fly the male flag in a field traditionally dominated by women.

 

According to data from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, Mr Cameron is one of 90 male registered midwife-nurses in Queensland compared with 6 085 females. 

 

Today, on International Day of the Midwife (5 May), Mr Cameron is shining the spotlight on the work of all midwives to raise awareness about the crucial care they provide to mothers and their newborns.

 

“It’s a typical stereotype that all midwives are female – but we male midwives do exist,” said Mr Cameron.

 

“I am aware that I stand out, being a male midwife, but I have an incredibly supportive team at Mater and I know I have their acceptance.  I try to just do my job and be a genuine guy.

 

“Regardless of gender, the job is the same for all of us.

 

“We are motivated by the same goal and that’s to provide the very best support to mums and their babies at what is often the most important time in their lives.”

 

Having three daughters of his own, the Tarragindi dad knows that bringing a new baby into the world is a special time for a family.

 

He delivered two of his own children and was present at the birth of his third.

 

“Being present and providing support for a mother during this moment is a wonderful thing,” said Mr Cameron, who has worked at Mater for 12 years.

 

“There’s something incredible about being part of another family’s memories and milestones.”

 

Mr Cameron encouraged other men to consider a career in midwifery.

 

“For me, being a midwife was something I fell into, I love dealing with people,” he said.

 

“But it’s an incredibly rewarding job and every day – every birth – is different.”

 

Mater Mothers’ Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery Maree Reynolds said Mr Cameron was one of many valued midwives at Mater who provided expert maternity care to mums and babies.

 

“International Day of the Midwife is an ideal time to showcase the incredible work of all Mater midwives in helping to ensure every baby gets the very best start in life,” Ms Reynolds said.

 

Mater Mothers’ Hospitals are home to more than 600 midwives and support staff across South East Queensland, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton.