Running head: MATERNITY CULTURAL COMPETENCY

Maternity Cultural Competency: The Polish

Amy E. Selter
Kapiolani Community College
NURS 320

MATERNITY CULTURA COMPETENCY

Maternity Cultural Competency: The Polish

When working in maternity care in a hospital setting, such as labor and delivery, postpartum, or nursery, it is important for the nurse to recognize and be mindful of different cultural
practice that are pertinent to each clients culture. Although there are many similarities in practice
across cultural lines, it is important for the nurse to remember that each mother is different and
her cultural practices may play an important role in the experience she is hoping to have during
this special time of her life. The culture I am sharing today is the Polish culture.
Pregnancy
Pregnant woman are highly respected in Polish culture. According to Lipson and Dibble
(2005), prenatal care is important and the pregnant woman should undertake measures to ensure
a healthy pregnancy such as eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep each night. There are
many old school or traditional beliefs and practices that Poles may practice, but these are
becoming less common. Some of these old wives tales include avoiding looking into fire or
through a keyhole, and avoiding crossing over a rope on the ground or under a clothesline. The
later two are thought to prevent problems with the umbilical cord during childbirth. Many Poles
try to conceal their pregnancy for some time to protect themselves from jealousy or witchcraft.
And finally, baby showers were once thought to bring bad luck (Lipson & Dibble, 2005).
Labor and Birth
During the labor and delivery process Lipson and Dibble (2005) suggest many Poles rely
on the knowledge of a midwife for assistance. The midwife is a highly respected professional in
Polish culture. Birthing in a hospital setting is a common practice nowadays. After arriving at
the hospital, most laboring woman will cooperate fully with staff recommendations and most
labor practices will vary from woman to woman, i.e. walking, birth ball, bath. Many Polish

MATERNITY CULTURA COMPETENCY

women have a high tolerance for pain and prefer not to be medicated, however medication is
requested when and if the pain becomes intolerable. Labor is thought of as the womans domain
and often the father may choose to stay in the waiting room allowing for a mother or sister to be
involved in the labor process. However, most Polish-American fathers will be more involved
and remain in the delivery room (Lipson & Dibble, 2005).
Post Partum
Upon the birth of baby, Lipson and Dibble (2005) state that Polish mothers are expected
to breastfeed. They understand the benefits for the infant and usually strive to breastfeed for two
years. However, it is not uncommon for Polish-American mom to switch to bottle-feeding upon
returning to work. A study in Krakow, Poland by Jedrychowski et al. (2012) looked at the
relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and cognitive development of children over a seven
year follow-up period. In the end, it showed a 3.8 point gain in IQ score over the seven year
period for exclusive breastfeeding over six months. The overall benefit of breastfeeding
including mixed breast milk and formula were also revealed (Jedrychowski et al., 2012).
The father is not expected to participate in care for the infant. Around the house the
womans mother typically comes to cook and help with baby care and help with household
chores for the first few weeks. If there are problems with baby, the health care team should
inform both parents as soon as possible (Lipson & Dibble, 2005).
Family Dynamics
Family is the core of Polish lifestyle. Extended family members being a part of a time
like this is expected. A waiting room full of sisters, brothers, grandparents, aunties, and uncles is
the norm. Family will come early and stay late. Many foods such as kielbasa and cabbage or
chrusciki are often present at these celebratory family gatherings. In addition, alcohol

MATERNITY CULTURA COMPETENCY

consumption is prevalent in many Polish families and may be a problem for many Poles (Lipson
& Dibble, 2005).

MATERNITY CULTURA COMPETENCY

References
Jedrychowski, W., Perera, F., Jankowski, J., Butscher, M., Mroz, E., Flak, E., & ... Sowa, A.
(2012). Effect of exclusive breastfeeding on the development of children's cognitive
function in the Krakow prospective birth cohort study. European Journal Of Pediatrics,
171(1), 151-158. doi:10.1007/s00431-011-1507-5
Lipson, J., & Dibble, S. (2005). Culture & clinical care. University of California: The Regents.