Communication, Counseling, and Health Education
Core concepts
Effective communication is a clinical skill. Understand active listening, open-ended questions, reflection, summarizing, and empathy. Know the difference between informing (giving facts) and counseling (supporting decision-making). Use teach-back to confirm understanding and plain language to avoid jargon.
Models and barriers
Know models such as the GATHER approach (greet, ask, tell, help, explain, return) and motivational interviewing principles. Recognize barriers: language, literacy, culture, fear, stigma, and power imbalance. Understand the role of a trained interpreter and the harm of using family members as interpreters for sensitive topics.
Health education
Plan education around the learner's needs, use appropriate channels, and evaluate learning. Topics in midwifery include danger signs, breastfeeding, nutrition, family planning, and STI prevention. Respect privacy and confidentiality during counseling.
Traps
Giving information is not the same as ensuring understanding. Do not assume silence means agreement. Avoid leading questions and false reassurance.
Rule of thumb
After any counseling session, ask the woman to explain in her own words what she will do - if she can teach it back, she has understood it.