Premium
Is there a common experience? Somali new mothers’ childbirth experiences in Norway and the United States
Author(s) -
Clark Connie Lynn,
Glavin Kari,
Missal Bernita Eileen,
Sæteren Berit
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/phn.12399
Subject(s) - somali , childbirth , immigration , qualitative research , nursing , medicine , public health , psychology , gender studies , pregnancy , sociology , political science , social science , philosophy , linguistics , genetics , law , biology
Background Due to civil war, Somalis immigrants have settled in Norway and the United States. Large families are valued among Somalis and Somali women continue to give birth in their new countries. Research studies have been conducted with Somali immigrant new mothers in Norway and Minnesota, United States to understand perceptions of their childbirth experience. Purpose The purpose of this qualitative study was to compare the childbirth experiences of Somali immigrant mothers in the United States and Norway to make recommendations to improve health care practice. Design This paper presents a comparison of two research studies in order to identify and explain similarities and differences between cross‐cultural immigrant populations. Results Both studies identified themes related to the importance of family support in the postpartum period, fear of Cesarean delivery, and relationships with nurses. These studies give recommendations for nurses on how to provide culturally sensitive care for Somali new mothers. Conclusions Implications for practice are that 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 throughout the perinatal period.