Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify actual situations and problems at childbirth in clinical settings, when midwives provide care for people from culturally and linguistically different backgrounds who have settled in Japan, considering cultural issues in childbirth.
Method
In this descriptive study, data were collected using semi-structured interviews, following initial interviews, both of which were conducted by the researcher. The subjects of the study were sixteen midwives who were working at maternity wards in hospitals in Tokyo, and who had experience of caring for people from diverse cultures. Context analysis was conducted to develop a coding system, and the data was then revised into meaningful categories.
Result
Midwives recognized that they often didn't understand the feelings of people from diverse cultures, and often felt uncomfortable when interacting with them. They found relationships with people from diverse cultures to be stressful, but believed that having the same language is not important in communication. They also had the attitude that it is important to get to know people from diverse cultures in order to develop a positive relationship. As[m1] for childbirth culture, the midwives felt confusion in relation to different attitudes towards childbirth, and a difficulty in providing care that was in accordance with cultural practices, as this would sometimes deviate from the hospital rules. However, the midwives wished to provide culturally appropriate care at childbirth for people from diverse cultures, just as much as they would wish this for Japanese people. They aimed to do this by collaborating with other healthcare practitioners.
Conclusion
It was noted that midwives recognize difficulties in communication and differences in childbirth culture, and that they make an effort to provide care that respects cultural practices so that the mothers have wonderful childbirth experiences. However, the establishment of systems in which there is collaboration with other healthcare practitioners is essential to improving care for people from diverse cultures.
