Midwife Culture
The socio- political and cultural factors at both a national and global level have a big impact on the Midwife woman partnership. The Oxford Dictionary (2012) defines culture as: the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society, and Midwifery as: a nurse (typically a woman) who is trained to assist women in childbirth. There are many factors that the midwife must take into consideration when implementing a partnership with an expectant mother from a different culture, than that of her own. The Cultural beliefs people hold shape their perception of health and illness and the way in which they utilise services in order to rectify health conditions. Some of these beliefs may mean knowing when and what ritual a family
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will need to perform during or after the birth and any issues that may need to be taken into account for the relationship of the midwife woman partnership to succeed.
There are many socio-political factors that impact Immigrants, Aboriginals and Muslims accessing health care services, in particular Midwifery. One of the biggest of the many barriers that these groups can face is communication as English is not their first language. This impedes their ability to access health care services and their willingness to utilise and adopt preventative care measures. Many cultures may not be inclined to utilise health care services due to negative past experiences when accessing healthcare because of discrimination, bias or a lack of understanding they have encountered in the past. (Reconcilliation 2008). Indigenous Australians have many health issues such as a reduced life expectancy, an elevated risk of developing chronic conditions as well as other health aliments. They are at risk of suffering with poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco and drug use. They are also more susceptible to complications throughout their pregnancy, during and after the birth than Non-Indigenous Australians. While Aboriginal health has improved considerably over the decades in comparison to what it used to be, it still continues however, to of third world standard. Aboriginal people can expect to live up to twenty years less than Non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous life expectancy is so bad that 45% of Aboriginal men and 34% of women die before the age of 45. 71% die before they reach the age of 65 years. (Health 2008). The Aboriginal people face a range of difficulties that affect their ability to take action and improve their health. This Indigenous culture has experienced a loss of identity and social perception which can be attributed to past grievances. Addressing the poor health issues within the Aboriginal community will aid in diminishing both the mortality and morbidity rates, as well as drastically declining the preventable chronic diseases and risk factors they are more prone and susceptible to. Another socio-political barrier that can impede these cultures is the lack of education and economic hardship. This in turn can leave these groups unable to afford the exorbitant costs of services. There are dangers in the midwife being unaware of, or misunderstanding a culture. Perhaps the most serious is that of stereotyping people, when it is assumed that a culture makes all members of the cultural group think, feel, and behave in a certain way. (Bowden and Manning 2006). The relationship between the Midwife - Woman partnership differs within even our own culture as our upbringing, education, experiences, location and our general way of life impacts on us all differently despite the fact that as Australians we are all deemed ‘one culture’.
The different belief systems and ethnic values can also raise barriers between cultures and the Midwifery-Woman partnership. It is important that nurses don’t discriminate when dealing with a person with a different cultural descent and are able to effectively communicate, in reducing any barriers that may be present. It is essential for Nurses to be educated and aware of the culture and history of all cultural backgrounds they come into contact with in order to help change the societal health predisposition. (Pairman, Tracy, Thorogood, Pincombe 2010)
It is important in the midwifery profession that a Continuity Model of Care is adopted as this encourages a close professional relationship to develop between both the midwife and the woman throughout the birth process. Continuity of Care allows the midwife to provide personal care that is tailored specifically to the woman and her family’s needs with the ability to address any further complications or issues that may arise, improving both the quality of her care and her birthing experience. Continuity of Care is advantageous as it can be provided in a wide variety of settings, both formal and informal environments, in order to set the woman at ease, making her feel more comfortable. (Pairman, et al 2010)
The midwife must be aware of all relevant aspects in respect to the culture of the woman they are providing care for.
This sensitivity may include being aware of modesty in the Muslim culture requiring a midwife that is of the same sex origin as themselves as they are uncomfortable exposing their bodies to the opposite sex. Another barrier that may coexist within the Midwife-Woman partnership may be age. When a Midwife is providing care for a woman who is a minor, when in the Midwifes eyes the young woman is too young to be this predicament. Another observation that may have to be observed in regard to cultural sensitivity includes the various rituals of a particular ethnicity; one might be that the woman needs to bathe postnataly. This should be permitted unless there is a clinical reason which prohibits it. (Health Care Providers Handbook, 2010) Giving birth is universal to all women; however the experience differs in many cultures as births are considered sacred events in many countries, as they celebrate the birth and welcome the arrival of the new member of the family with specific rituals. The Indigenous Australians welcome the arrival of the baby with a birth smoking ceremony. This is performed in order to keep the child healthy whilst keeping their traditional way of life and culture alive. In the Muslim culture the father recites a prayer shortly after the child is born into both ears of the newborn. The Muslim cultures also have a tradition of burying the placenta …show more content…
after their child is born as they believe it is scared. All these rituals are not practiced within our culture, and may seem quite foreign to us.
It is important to show respect for different cultural traditions as well as the diversity of that community, by acknowledging and accepting that the rituals of one cultural community are equally valid and worthy of the same regard as our own cultural practices. (Robinson & Thomson 2009, p 142)
In conclusion the Midwife woman partnership is a complex relationship that balances on understanding and acceptance factoring in the beliefs, rituals, lifestyle, ethnic values and the risks associated therein of the woman or mother to be in order to achieve both a positive and empowering labour, as well as a favourable and healthy outcome for all involved. This understanding makes it essential for Midwives to be aware of all the cultural differences apparent and possess knowledge pertaining to the cultural expectations and lifestyles of all cultural groups. It is important for Midwives to continually undertake further training and education, in order to maintain their professional development, as well as broadening their existing knowledge and skills.
Good health is not just the physical wellbeing of an individual, but the social, emotional, cultural wellbeing of the whole community in which each individual is able to achieve their full potential as a human being thereby bringing about the total wellbeing of their community.
(Anderson, 2007, p.12)
References
Anderson, I., & Baum, F., & Bentley, M. (2012) Beyond Bandaids. The Lowitja Institute. Retrieved from. http://www.Lowitja.org.au Bowden, J., & Manning, V. (2006) Healthy Promotion in Midwifery Principles & Practice. (2nd ed.,pp. 31 & 64) Hodder Arnold Inc.
Health Care Providers Handbook. (2010) Queensland Health. [fact sheet]. Retrieved from http://www.health.qld.gov.au/multicultural Infinite Wellness, (2009) Colonisation & Indigenous Australia. Retrieved from http://www.infinitewellness.com.au/node/40 Pairman, S., & Tracy, S., & Thorogood, C., & Pincombe, J. (2010) Midwifery – Preparation for Practice (2nd ed., pp. 163) NSW, Australia:Elsevier.
Oxford Dictionary. (2012) Retrieved from
http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/culture
Reconciliation. (2008) Health [fact sheet] Retrieved from http://reconcilliation.org.au/nsw/education-kit/health
Robinson, S., & Thomson, A. (2009) Midwives Research & Childbirth. London. Chapman & Hall Publishing
will need to perform during or after the birth and any issues that may need to be taken into account for the relationship of the midwife woman partnership to succeed.
There are many socio-political factors that impact Immigrants, Aboriginals and Muslims accessing health care services, in particular Midwifery. One of the biggest of the many barriers that these groups can face is communication as English is not their first language. This impedes their ability to access health care services and their willingness to utilise and adopt preventative care measures. Many cultures may not be inclined to utilise health care services due to negative past experiences when accessing healthcare because of discrimination, bias or a lack of understanding they have encountered in the past. (Reconcilliation 2008). Indigenous Australians have many health issues such as a reduced life expectancy, an elevated risk of developing chronic conditions as well as other health aliments. They are at risk of suffering with poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco and drug use. They are also more susceptible to complications throughout their pregnancy, during and after the birth than Non-Indigenous Australians. While Aboriginal health has improved considerably over the decades in comparison to what it used to be, it still continues however, to of third world standard. Aboriginal people can expect to live up to twenty years less than Non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous life expectancy is so bad that 45% of Aboriginal men and 34% of women die before the age of 45. 71% die before they reach the age of 65 years. (Health 2008). The Aboriginal people face a range of difficulties that affect their ability to take action and improve their health. This Indigenous culture has experienced a loss of identity and social perception which can be attributed to past grievances. Addressing the poor health issues within the Aboriginal community will aid in diminishing both the mortality and morbidity rates, as well as drastically declining the preventable chronic diseases and risk factors they are more prone and susceptible to. Another socio-political barrier that can impede these cultures is the lack of education and economic hardship. This in turn can leave these groups unable to afford the exorbitant costs of services. There are dangers in the midwife being unaware of, or misunderstanding a culture. Perhaps the most serious is that of stereotyping people, when it is assumed that a culture makes all members of the cultural group think, feel, and behave in a certain way. (Bowden and Manning 2006). The relationship between the Midwife - Woman partnership differs within even our own culture as our upbringing, education, experiences, location and our general way of life impacts on us all differently despite the fact that as Australians we are all deemed ‘one culture’.
The different belief systems and ethnic values can also raise barriers between cultures and the Midwifery-Woman partnership. It is important that nurses don’t discriminate when dealing with a person with a different cultural descent and are able to effectively communicate, in reducing any barriers that may be present. It is essential for Nurses to be educated and aware of the culture and history of all cultural backgrounds they come into contact with in order to help change the societal health predisposition. (Pairman, Tracy, Thorogood, Pincombe 2010)
It is important in the midwifery profession that a Continuity Model of Care is adopted as this encourages a close professional relationship to develop between both the midwife and the woman throughout the birth process. Continuity of Care allows the midwife to provide personal care that is tailored specifically to the woman and her family’s needs with the ability to address any further complications or issues that may arise, improving both the quality of her care and her birthing experience. Continuity of Care is advantageous as it can be provided in a wide variety of settings, both formal and informal environments, in order to set the woman at ease, making her feel more comfortable. (Pairman, et al 2010)
The midwife must be aware of all relevant aspects in respect to the culture of the woman they are providing care for.
This sensitivity may include being aware of modesty in the Muslim culture requiring a midwife that is of the same sex origin as themselves as they are uncomfortable exposing their bodies to the opposite sex. Another barrier that may coexist within the Midwife-Woman partnership may be age. When a Midwife is providing care for a woman who is a minor, when in the Midwifes eyes the young woman is too young to be this predicament. Another observation that may have to be observed in regard to cultural sensitivity includes the various rituals of a particular ethnicity; one might be that the woman needs to bathe postnataly. This should be permitted unless there is a clinical reason which prohibits it. (Health Care Providers Handbook, 2010) Giving birth is universal to all women; however the experience differs in many cultures as births are considered sacred events in many countries, as they celebrate the birth and welcome the arrival of the new member of the family with specific rituals. The Indigenous Australians welcome the arrival of the baby with a birth smoking ceremony. This is performed in order to keep the child healthy whilst keeping their traditional way of life and culture alive. In the Muslim culture the father recites a prayer shortly after the child is born into both ears of the newborn. The Muslim cultures also have a tradition of burying the placenta …show more content…
after their child is born as they believe it is scared. All these rituals are not practiced within our culture, and may seem quite foreign to us.
It is important to show respect for different cultural traditions as well as the diversity of that community, by acknowledging and accepting that the rituals of one cultural community are equally valid and worthy of the same regard as our own cultural practices. (Robinson & Thomson 2009, p 142)
In conclusion the Midwife woman partnership is a complex relationship that balances on understanding and acceptance factoring in the beliefs, rituals, lifestyle, ethnic values and the risks associated therein of the woman or mother to be in order to achieve both a positive and empowering labour, as well as a favourable and healthy outcome for all involved. This understanding makes it essential for Midwives to be aware of all the cultural differences apparent and possess knowledge pertaining to the cultural expectations and lifestyles of all cultural groups. It is important for Midwives to continually undertake further training and education, in order to maintain their professional development, as well as broadening their existing knowledge and skills.
Good health is not just the physical wellbeing of an individual, but the social, emotional, cultural wellbeing of the whole community in which each individual is able to achieve their full potential as a human being thereby bringing about the total wellbeing of their community.
(Anderson, 2007, p.12)
References
Anderson, I., & Baum, F., & Bentley, M. (2012) Beyond Bandaids. The Lowitja Institute. Retrieved from. http://www.Lowitja.org.au Bowden, J., & Manning, V. (2006) Healthy Promotion in Midwifery Principles & Practice. (2nd ed.,pp. 31 & 64) Hodder Arnold Inc.
Health Care Providers Handbook. (2010) Queensland Health. [fact sheet]. Retrieved from http://www.health.qld.gov.au/multicultural Infinite Wellness, (2009) Colonisation & Indigenous Australia. Retrieved from http://www.infinitewellness.com.au/node/40 Pairman, S., & Tracy, S., & Thorogood, C., & Pincombe, J. (2010) Midwifery – Preparation for Practice (2nd ed., pp. 163) NSW, Australia:Elsevier.
Oxford Dictionary. (2012) Retrieved from
http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/culture
Reconciliation. (2008) Health [fact sheet] Retrieved from http://reconcilliation.org.au/nsw/education-kit/health
Robinson, S., & Thomson, A. (2009) Midwives Research & Childbirth. London. Chapman & Hall Publishing