LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Rachel Myr <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 3 Oct 2002 23:08:38 +0200
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (51 lines)
Lois, I bet I am not the only reader who feels a bit left in the dark after
reading your post.
In it, you write: "Recently, I was accused of trying to {change  a patients
culture } by a staff member and she was very loud and verbal with me. Lucky
for me I am not intimidated but the question is : how do you all handle a
problem like this?"

Is the problem that mothers from certain cultures have certain common
features making it difficult for staff to use the regular protocols?  Or is
the problem that your colleague got 'loud and verbal' with you?  Or that
your colleagues don't like women of the nationalities you mention?

To the first possibility: in working with mothers I find it most helpful to
forget everything I think I know about someone's culture, and ask the woman
directly how she is used to doing things, or what she is expecting, and of
course what she wants.  Then I take it from there.  Works great for me,
anyway.  Interpreters can be a huge help too.  BTW, I have no qualms telling
a woman, without mincing words, if a cultural practice she is accustomed to
is incompatible with functional breastfeeding or with good health.

To the second possibility: try to be in a place where the mothers don't hear
it happening, and then, try really hard to put yourself in the other
person's place.  What is the loudness really about?  Should you ask for
support from your union rep?  Your boss (assuming it isn't your boss being
loud and verbal)?  Anyone else who can support you?  Is this a good place
for you to be working, and what are your other options?

To the third: most health professions have a code of ethics which
specifically addresses equity of care, and the intrinsic value of human
life, regardless of what country you were born in, what religion you follow,
or what color your skin happens to be.  Sometimes individual members of a
profession violate their codes of ethics, and there should be some provision
for this situation in the professional association or even in the licensing
body.

Good luck,
Rachel Myr
mother and migrant with a deviant cultural background, in Norway

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html

ATOM RSS1 RSS2