Working with Families of Different Cultures II Improving our Communication Skills

Abstract

Working with families from different cultures requires self-awareness, the desire to understand the goals of our clients, and the ability to collaborate with them to achieve the outcome they are seeking. Primarily this is achieved through asking open-ended questions, listening not just to the words, but the feelings that are being communicated, sharing with her that what she has stated is understood, and then helping her identify an option that will work for her, her baby, and her family. Using this method maintains respect for the client’s beliefs and culture, and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome—and possibly creating a new breastfeeding expert and advocate in the process.