One common communication problem is the issue of feeding and when babies can go home. Many mothers receive mixed messages/ perceive information about establishing feeding, and when their babies can go home that they get terribly anxious and can cause all sorts of misunderstandings - through no fault of anyone in particular - just the dynamics of the situation.
There is a wonderful book - "Crucial Decisions at the Beginning of Life" by Hazel McHaffie. It makes harrowing reading at times, and although it is about the impact of making decisions for treatment withdrawal from young babies, many of the issues it raises, and suggestions it makes, are relevent for babies in neonatal units - whether or not they are very ill. Communication is one issue that is particularly highlighted.
This book won the Medical Book of the Year for 2002 from the British Medical Association. It is available from ACE Graphics/ Birthinternational - and there is a review (done by me :-))on the web site http://www.acegraphics.com.au/product/book/bk697-review.html
Debbie Slater Perth, WA
Sadie Geraghty wrote:
Hi Jaqueline, I work at KEMH, and I although I am unable to discuss the case you have highlighted, I have to say that interpreters are always used for women whose first language is not english. Unfortunately, women do not always hear what is being said at the time - often because the interpretation does not strictly explain situations like isoimmunisation, or they are overwhelmed or stressed by the situation which is perfectly understandable. Many times I have discussed things with women of all cultures, only to go into the room the next day and be told that "no-one has told me." It sounds as if your friend was originally quite happy with the explanations given - until she spoke to you? Regards, Maggie.
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