What refugee women want from maternity care: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background/Aims For refugee women, pregnancy and early motherhood can exacerbate poor underlying health, poverty, and deprivation. Despite the wealth of research exploring the experiences of pregnant refugee women, maternity care providers remain unprepared for their unique needs. The aim of this study was to ask what refugee women require from maternity care, reduce adverse risks, and improve maternity care experiences Methods Secondary analysis of focus group data from refugee women as part of the ‘What women want’ White Ribbon Alliance campaign. Results Three key themes emerged: feeling safe in the maternity system and in their communities; fair and equal access and treatment in maternity care and the asylum system: building a future in the UK. Conclusions Midwives need additional training and education to understand the wider issues of the negative discourse around migration and being an asylum seeker and use this knowledge in practice when caring for women to help them feel safe.