Identify the available community organizations, services and resources that can be provided.
Discuss what interdisciplinary professionals can be utilized as a resource
scenario: A father, Mr. Brown, is seen in the pediatrician’s office with his three-month-old daughter and is complaining that all she does is cry. Upon further examination, colic is strongly suspected. Her father states she cries inconsolably for eight hours straight. “I feel helpless while I’m working nightshift as a transporter while my wife is struggling with postpartum depression.” Our entire family is back home in Jamaica, where we’re from and we are new to this community.
Full Answer Section
- Programs offered in Mr. Brown's native language or with cultural sensitivity training would be ideal.
- Home Visitation Programs: Some organizations offer programs where trained professionals visit families at home to provide support, guidance, and education on infant care and parenting skills.
Interdisciplinary Professionals:
- Pediatricians: The pediatrician can diagnose and manage the colic symptoms, offer guidance on soothing techniques, and address any feeding concerns.
- Social Workers: Social workers can connect the family with necessary resources, provide emotional support, and help them navigate the healthcare and social service systems. Culturally competent social workers can provide additional support for a family new to the community.
- Lactation Consultants: If feeding issues are contributing to the crying, a lactation consultant can assess feeding techniques and offer guidance to improve breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
- Therapists: A therapist can provide Mr. Brown's wife with individual therapy for postpartum depression and offer coping strategies. Couples therapy might also be beneficial for them to navigate this challenging time together.
Additional Resources:
- Online Support Groups: Online support groups can connect Mr. Brown and his wife with other parents facing similar challenges. Look for groups specifically focused on colic or postpartum depression that cater to diverse backgrounds.
- Cultural Competency Training Resources: If healthcare providers or social workers haven't received specific training on cultural competency, they can access online resources or workshops to improve their understanding of serving families from different cultural backgrounds.
By accessing these resources and collaborating with interdisciplinary professionals, Mr. Brown and his family can receive the support they need to manage their daughter's colic, cope with postpartum depression, and feel more integrated into their new community.