definately not a hindrance as long as you keep your personal experiences just that, unless you are asked to share them...ie it is the woman's experience and we shouldnt distract from it.
So yes it is a help as you will be able to empathise with the woman, however it is an age old debate which encompasses many factors, for example, if the answer is yes, does it mean that men cant be good midwives? Also, you have suffered PND which makes you more understanding of a woman with it, but have you suffered a stillbirth? If the anser is no, do you think you will be able to show care and compasion to a woman in your care who is experiencing this just as well as a midwife who has been through it?
the arguments are complex and people are usually quite divided on the issue. I personally have yet to make up my mind!
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STMW 2nd year - no, really!