Intercultural sensitivity in midwifery care

The accession of Poland to the European Union, the development of multilateral international cooperation, and globalization elicit the need
to prepare oneself for contacts with other cultures and other lifestyles in all spheres of life. Statistical data show that the number of foreigners
who have taken up residence in Poland and use healthcare services is growing from year to year. Also midwives are combining their
professional careers with a stay abroad more and more often. Therefore, knowledge concerning cultural phenomena and the specifics of
the work of midwives, depending on its saturation in cultural diversity, becomes indispensable.
The aim of the article is to develop sensitivity to cultural differences which can have crucial meaning for providing healthcare to patients from
other cultural areas. Simultaneously, the authors wish to present their own idea of culturally congruent healthcare.
The analysis of literature and the authors’ experience in conducting workshops titled “Intercultural Communication” were used in the
research.
Cultural differences can create invisible barriers. However, they should not be treated as obstacles to contacts but as a benefit, as both sides can
learn from each other. Cultural diversity enables one to take a wider view of the world and evaluate reality form a different perspective.
Knowledge of cultural phenomena reduces one’s feeling of uncertainty and frustration and to some degree ensures the predictability of
patients’ behavior as a result of putting their customs and practices into certain logical models. Mastering intercultural competences can become
the starting capital for professional and personal success and therefore it should enter the canon of obstetrical skills.