Cultures and beliefs

Each and every one of us comes from a culture - what is minority in one setting is majority in another. Not only do we come from a national culture and a religious culture, but a family culture as well.

The bereaved family may be agnostic or atheist, Catholic or Church of England, Muslim or Jewish, Hindu or Sikh. Each person's belief is personal and we all have our own traditions that need to be respected and honoured. Your own cultural traditions may be quite different from those of the parents and it is best to assume nothing and when in doubt, ask the father or mother.

Enquire about the parents' beliefs, what they need and what may be available. Parents who never go to church may be comforted by seeing the chaplain who can offer a blessing. Others who have a faith may choose to have nothing to do with a God who they feel has not heard their prayers. Resist any need to talk about your own beliefs.

When caring for families from different ethnic backgrounds, be aware of their particular needs. Families who do not communicate well in English may need an interpreter and written information in their own language or audio CDs (CBC produces CDs in Urdu for families who have experienced the death of a baby). It is not appropriate to use children as interpreters.

Be aware that the standard Caucasian response to bereavement may not be appropriate - for example Muslims believe that a child's death is Allah's will and that prolonged grief is disrespectful. Also it is important to know about the restrictions of different religions regarding who can touch the dead body and how it should be handled. For Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, it is very important that the whole body is prepared for the funeral - nothing should be retained.

Always treat parents as individuals and enable them to grieve in their own way.

You may also like to view our Best Practice Guideline entitled 'Cultural and Religious Issues at the Time of a Baby or Child's Death'