Migrant women with cultural doula support during pregnancy and after childbirth as a complement to midwifery care in Sweden – An interview study

Abstract

Background

For migrant women, it may feel unsafe to give birth in a new, unfamiliar country. This group of women has an increased risk for adverse outcomes for mothers and children. Migrant women may experience stress and they have a higher likelihood of childbirth fear, childbirth complications, and maternal death.

Aim

To explore migrant women's experiences of cultural doula support during pregnancy and after childbirth as a complement to midwifery care.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory study design was adopted, using Braun and Clarke's theoretical thematic analysis process. A total of 21 migrant women from non-European countries in Sweden were interviewed via female language interpreters.

Findings

The overarching theme ‘Cultural doula support facilitates migrant women's transition into motherhood in a new country’ was explored. The theme was described by: The offer of cultural doula support was initially not always fully understood; The support replaced the lack of family and friends; The support developed women's understanding of maternity care; The support increased women's knowledge of childbirth and parental role; and The support facilitated women's integration into a new country.

Conclusion

The migrant women valued being supported by cultural doulas because this facilitated their transition into motherhood in an unfamiliar social context. Therefore, migrant women with limited language knowledge and understanding of becoming mothers in a new country should be offered support from a cultural doula as a complement to midwifery care.