Community baby shower as a transcultural nursing intervention

A community assessment was conducted by nursing students to determine the educational needs of Native American women whose infants were at risk for infant mortality. As a result, a culturally based community baby shower was provided for the women and their infants which incorporated health education. Games, prizes, and lunch were provided for the mothers upon completion of educational newborn care, immunizations, and infant safety learning activities. The intervention project based upon maintaining a Native American cultural theme was used with cake, favors, prizes, invitations, and advertisements. In addition, a recognized Native American spiritual leader was invited to begin the shower with a traditional blessing. Multiple community resources such as businesses, stores (including drug), churches, hospitals, a local nursing home, and several private individuals also contributed time, money, and baby care items for the shower. From the advertising, many women expressed interest in attending the baby shower than could be accommodated. Press releases provided exposure for the school of nursing, contributors, participants, and many members of the Native American community. A pre- and post-test survey indicated that by the end of the baby shower, all 10 key native American women participants were able to demonstrate the use of the information taught by the nursing students. The baby shower enhanced the Native American mothers' self confidence and provided them with culturally sensitive care. The welcoming atmosphere created by the students for the Native Americans was also important to the success of the project.