- Many women from CALD backgrounds using maternity services in New Zealand have come from different health systems. In some countries health systems are well developed and similar to New Zealand maternity services, but in other countries the approach to antenatal care is quite different.
- CALD women may make inadequate use of the antenatal care available in New Zealand. They may not know their eligibility for services and that the services are free.
- It is best to use an interpreter to make an appointment for a home visit with the woman or a clinic visit. This is a good strategy to reduce missed appointments.
- If needed, provide a qualified female interpreter to discuss maternity care. Ensure that the woman is aware that interpreters are available throughout her antenatal, birth and postnatal care.
- Inform the woman about the LMC model and maternity care in New Zealand, how maternity services are provided and the range of services available including access to emergency care and specialist examination.
- Provide printed information about maternity care, where possible in the language of the client: http://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/maternal-child-health-resource-list-v2.pdf.
- Women may have low levels of literacy (in any language). Assessing both their language and health literacy is essential especially when caring for women from refugee backgrounds.
- Reassure the woman that she has a choice regarding a model of care or a specific intervention and discuss the purpose of referral for antenatal care.
- Women from refugee backgrounds may have complex medical and psychosocial issues. Providing continuity of care by a LMC and an interpreter is important to maintain women’s engagement with antenatal care services.
- Discuss the benefits of attending pregnancy and parenting education classes and where to attend these.
- Ask if the woman requires assistance with booking appointments.
- Try to elicit any potential reasons for declining to use some services.
