“How Can a Male Too Want to Do This Work?” Exploring the Challenges Faced by Male Midwives in Ghana’s Midwifery Practice

Workplace challenges can be daunting and hinder the provision of quality services, especially for a professional such as the male midwife who spends the entirety of his work life in an environment in which he can be termed the minority. Heavy workload, harassment, and intimidation are some documented challenges of the male midwife. The study sought to explore the challenges faced by male midwives in midwifery practice in Ghana. Using the qualitative study design and purposive sampling, data were collected within 30 to 45 minutes for each participant and reached saturation by the 14^th participant. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. Findings revealed two major themes of current and training period challenges were developed, from which four sub-themes emerged: the attitude of female midwives, the heavy workload and unfavourable duty schedule, and the clinical supervisors’ attitude. In conclusion, male midwives are trained maternal and neonatal health care providers working in various aspects of midwifery to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities; however, the challenges in the workplace pose unbearable barriers which impede the aim of practice.