For me as a Bereavement Facilitator, it is very important to have the knowledge about different cultures and belief systems when one is working in the sacred space of death and dying. You always first consult with the parents and sometimes elders as well before you even start of with condolences… There is a wrong and a right way in every culture and one doesn’t want to start of on the wrong foot. Being culturally competent for me is to stay up to date with the how and means of the different cultures that I have served. Believe me so that you learn something new every time you work in this sacred space with parents, family and the dying or already dead baby. Even the way in which you talk and name certain things have to fit in with their culture as you can easily offend parents by saying the wrong things.
