Maternity care for women from ethnic minority backgrounds in North-West England: A grounded theory study

Aim

To understand the maternity experiences of women from minority ethnic groups who had given birth in an NHS trust in the North-West of England, and experiences of midwives caring for them.

Background

Women from minority ethnic groups have poorer maternity outcomes compared with other women. Research about maternity experiences of women from minority ethnic groups is limited but suggests that they have poorer experiences.

Method

Constructivist grounded theory was used as the framework for the study. Thirteen women and sixteen midwives were interviewed to elicit views and maternity experiences of women from minority ethnic groups. Interviews were transcribed, analysed, and focused codes developed into theoretical codes resulting in an emergent grounded theory.

Findings

Four sub-categories emerged: ‘I was feeling protected’, ‘it is just literally empowering them, ‘it will affect them more’, and ‘if people speak out it will help other people’. These sub-categories generated a substantive theory: ‘striving towards equity and women centred care’.

Discussion

Culturally sensitive, relational care made women feel safe and trust their care providers. Information provision led to reassurance and enabled women to make choices about their care. Midwives’ workload compromised care provision and disproportionally affected women from minority ethnic groups, especially those who do not speak English. Women from minority groups are less likely to complain and be represented in feedback.

Conclusion

Culturally sensitive care is meeting the individual needs of many women; however, non– English speakers are disproportionally and negatively affected by midwives’ workload, attitudes, or service challenges, reducing their reassurance and choice.