Somali Immigrant New Mothers' Childbirth Experiences in Minnesota

Abstract

Purpose: To explore Somali immigrant new mothers' experience of childbirth in Minnesota.

Design: The ethnonursing research method was used. Semistructured interviews with 12 immigrant Somali mothers in a Midwestern metropolitan area were conducted. Analysis of the data followed Leininger and McFarland's four-phase ethnonursing data analysis guide.

Results: Six themes were identified in relation to Somali immigrant new mothers' experience of childbirth in the United States: the limitations of support due to separation from family, the importance of cultural and religious beliefs and practices, the desired relationships with nurses, the fear of Cesarean section, the value of education, and views on postpartum blues/depression.

Conclusions and implications for practice: Nurses should develop trusting relationships with Somali mothers and facilitate cultural and religious practices. Information regarding support resources in the community should be provided to Somali mothers.

Keywords: Somali immigrant mothers; cultural beliefs and practices; transcultural nursing; trusting relationships.