Transcultural Midwifery Practice

• 1. Transcultural concepts in midwifery- The root of transcultural care is the underlying theories, models and research which the midwife needs to know to practice effectively. This chapter provides an overview of the key concepts of culture, cultural competency and cultural safety. These concepts will be related to midwifery care and provide specific information on how they relate to culturally diverse groups. The impact of immigration and acculturation will be included and how this may impact on childbearing women and their families. This chapter will provide this information in a practical and realistic way that will appeal to the midwife and encourage critical thinking of these concepts and illuminate the context of culture.

• Transcultural midwifery care- A key skill for a midwife is to transverse cultures and provide care that is culturally sensitive and inclusive. This chapter provides information on working with a culturally diverse childbearing population and provides an overview of how womens beliefs and values can affect how they deal with pregnancy and ill health. The application of cultural competency and cultural safety in midwifery care provision will explored and how this may be affected by professional and organisational culture. The reader will be provided with the underpinning philosophy, values and beliefs and global perspectives of midwifery care with different cultures.

Transcultural communication- Communicating across cultures requires adopting a shared language but also considering the womans context. Throughout this chapter the reader is encouraged to examine the basis of effective communication and the importance of communication with a culturally diverse child bearing population. Exploration of effective versus ineffective communication will assist the reader in viewing how this may impact on midwifery care.

Challenges in transcultural midwifery- Caring for woman from different cultures can lead to barriers to effective care. These barriers are not insurmountable and should be recognised and solutions found. This chapter will explore the challenges that commonly arise during midwifery practice. An exploration of the multidimensional viewpoint of the woman will be provided and how this can be accommodated within the parameters of safe midwifery practice.

Ethical issues in transcultural midwifery- This chapter will provide an overview of the main ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and trust. The issues of empathy, respect and informed choice when caring for a culturally diverse childbearing population will be explored. Consideration of how the midwife or organisation should choose between alternatives if there is conflict between the womans culture and the professional/organisational culture will be included.

Stories from practicing midwives and childbearing people