This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I had the opportunity to chat with a male L&D nurse. Which is not something I come across every day!
So during Sunday Story Questions a couple of months ago one of you guys asked if I had ever worked with a male labor and delivery nurse before – I knew they existed, but I actually hadn’t ever connected with one if you can believe it!
So naturally, that got me curious about what it’s like to be a male L&D nurse and what it’s like working in a predominately female-based field. Well, I put out a little box on Instagram asking a male L&D nurse to connect, and that’s how I met this week’s podcast guest, AJ!
You guys are going to absolutely love AJ, he was so much fun to chat with, and he is also HILARIOUS! I thought he was the perfect person to join me this week, and I can’t wait for you guys to listen, so let’s dive right in!
A peek into what we talked about
- An introduction, where you’re from, about your family, where you work/what you do, etc.
- What is it like being a male L&D nurse? Especially in a predominately female field.
- What got you interested in L&D and nursing in general? What did you do before L&D?
- What’s your favorite part about being an L&D nurse? Or maybe your favorite type of patient?
- Do you ever have boundary issues you face with certain patients?
- Do you feel like you are stigmatized or treated any different way being a male in L&D? I personally think that there are so many male OBGYNs so why not nurses!
- Can you share a few memorable moments from births you’ve attended?
- What advice would you give to a FTM that’s about to give birth?
About AJ Kalayil
AJ has been a labor and delivery nurse for almost a decade. He was the first male OB nurse at both Chicago hospitals he has worked at. Working as a male nurse in OB has been such a rewarding experience for AJ and also a muse for starting his own family.
He has two beautiful toddlers with his husband James in Chicago. AJ recently graduated from a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program where he wishes to advance his career in caring for the perinatal mental health population.
Connect with AJ on Instagram: @2ajit2quit