Tamara Martinez

Skill Area: General Nutrition / Nutrition Education

Assignment Title: Qualitative Research Interview

What I learned: This assignment was such an eye opener for cultural awareness and education.  I found the answers given by my subjects were fascinating yet seemingly average in their interpretation.  I chose to interview foreign born mothers who have had a baby in the United States.  The focus was on the postpartum care in the hospital and at home and how foods were related to the recovery process.    

Reflection to assignment:  I was hesitant to interview people because I thought I was over stepping my boundaries on peoples privacy.  Some subjects were less revealing, but others really opened up and told me some intimate stories about child birth, fear, and disappointment concerning their recovery or how they were treated.  Others responded with humor in their responses stating that their more traditional mother told them not to look at ugly things because it could make her baby ugly.  This particular subject had been in the states since she was a baby and was unaware of her birth countries cultural traditions.  

Relevance to the profession:  Whether it be a career that is in medical nutrition, nutrition counseling, or foodservice we will encounter other cultures.  It is so important to keep an open mind to the differences of cultures and learn more about one another for understanding and compassion.