Language matters!
Medical terminology and the language which we use, as healthcare professionals, can be deemed as disempowering towards women and their pregnancy/birthing experience. This article aims to highlight the need for a change in practice through 'thinking before we speak' and realising the importance of language choices and informal discussions in building successful relationships with the women we care for. Rebecca Allison discusses various phrases and forms of communication which need addressing.
Walsall Manor Hospital.
Rebecca Jane
RJ
Allison
D003142:Communication; D003144:Communication Barriers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D008429:Maternal Welfare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*