Abstract
M.Cur. (Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science)
Abstract:
Midwives meet challenges when caring for pregnant immigrant women. This is brought about by factors that include cultural diversity, and the increased number of patients to be cared for in clinical facilities. Additionally some clinical facilities ill equipped in terms of staff and equipment, and this has resulted in some health professionals feeling that resources should be used for South Africans only. The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the experiences of midwives caring for pregnant immigrant women, and to formulate recommendations to assist midwives in caring for pregnant immigrant women. A qualitative, explorative and contextual research design was utilized. The research took place in two phases. Phase one focused on the exploration of the experience of midwives when caring for pregnant immigrant women. A Convenience sample of midwives was included in this study. Semi-structured phenomenological interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. The data was analyzed by means of open coding. The results were re-contextualized into the literature. In phase two, recommendations were formulated from the outcomes of phase one to assist midwives caring for pregnant immigrant women. Ethical principles were applied in this study. Measures of trustworthiness were adhered to.