Mitchell (2005) estimated that less than 1 in 20 Americans are deaf or hard-of-hearing (d/hoh) and 70% of those are between the ages of 18 and 65. Understanding what it means to be deaf vs. Deaf or Hard of Hearing is important knowledge for nurses so they can provide appropriate, culturally sensitve care for these patients. Those within the Deaf community share common beliefs, behaviors, history, and language which are all factors that bind a group together as a culture. Understanding and respecting these unique differences between cultural groups is important for nurses in planning and implementing care. While the exact number of Deaf childbearing women is not known, there is always the potential to encounter one of these women giving birth within our facilities. These women have special needs and face unique challenges when negotiating the health care system.
            A review of literature indicates that d/D/HOH often lack formal reproductive education, or it is limited at best, and that their overall literacy is at the 4^th -6^th grade level in comparison to their hearing counterparts. “Due to complex individual, interpersonal, and systematic factors, deaf and hard of hearing (d/hoh) individuals often receive inadequate, inappropriate, and unethical health care (Harmer, 1999).”  The complexities of the communications between the d/hoh patients and hearing health care providers is compounded by the false belief that by simply using speech reading, written notes and some gestures one can adequately communicate. Having adequate resources and trained medical sign language interpreters would enable them to get the education they need. For the d/D/HOH woman who is pregnant there are immeasurable needs for specific knowledge related to the pregnancy, the birth experience, newborn and self care as well.
            By sharing the birth experiences of Deaf women, and one case in particular, nurses will gain a basic knowledge of Deaf culture; have an increased understanding of the unique needs of the d/D/HOH pregnant patient so they will be better able to care for these women; and they will become familiar with d/D/HOH resources and tools.  The goal of this session will be to inspire nurses’to cultivate an increased sense of personal and professional integrity and respect for diversity when meeting the needs of all d/D/HOH patients and childbearing families.