Dear health professional,
I hope this letter reaches you before tomorrow’s appointment.
My health and safety and my baby’s health and safety are important to me. So, I want you to know what good, culturally safe care looks, feels, and sounds like to me.
Photo by anonymous
Because sometimes, when I receive health care, health professionals treat me like I don’t belong. I feel like some people here don’t understand or respect me – not just because of how I look and talk, but because people don’t understand me as a Karen woman. If I can share my story with you, maybe you’ll understand who I am and where I’ve come from. You could even ask me because I want to tell you my story. I want to know yours too.
Photo by May
Through storytelling, I can look back at what I’ve overcome and what I’ve achieved – I’m so proud of myself.
Photo by May
I know I can come to people like you for help and support. I want to be welcomed into pregnancy care that makes me feel good, even after I leave. But if you treat me like I’m different to you and make me feel like I don’t belong, I may find another way to help myself. I can do anything I put my heart to.
Photo by Naw Por
That’s because I have strong connections to my family and my community. When times are challenging, they make me feel good and remind me that I actually do belong. When I feel like I belong, my heart feels good. If you welcome me to your care, I know I will have a happy heart.
Photo by Naw Por
I understand you will have had different life experiences from me. Still, it would mean a lot if I could see that you understand my story and my journey. If you show me kindness, empathy and compassion, despite our differences, we could celebrate me, my culture, and yours too – together.
Photo by Mular Hser
I share this with you in the hope of a good pregnancy care experience. Because when I can be my true self with you during my pregnancy, I know I can feel safe and believe I belong.
Naw.
Photo by Mular Hser