The experiences of expatriate mothers regarding pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood in the host city Cape Town, South Africa

Penduka, Annaloice

The experiences of expatriate mothers regarding pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood in the host city Cape Town, South Africa

Master Thesis

2020

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Division of Nursing and Midwifery

Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Abstract

The study explored the experiences of expatriate mothers' pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood in a host city. This included identifying how expatriate mothers access public healthcare, and adapt to motherhood in a host country in a subsequent pregnancy. These expatriate mothers had previously experienced childbirth in their country of origin. A descriptive qualitative approach was utilised as it describes individuals' lived experiences. Purposive sampling was chosen and I had an in-depth conversation with nine expatriate mothers. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and sub-themes. Findings: The participants established that antenatal care was easily accessible. Mothers were confronted with a lack of respectful care in labour wards. They also had personal challenges. This all led to the development of the four themes. These are: expatriate mothers' need for support; organised antenatal healthcare; high cost of living; as well as labour and childbirth challenges in Cape Town (public healthcare). These revealed mothers need support to manage motherhood in a different setting. Further, the expatriate mothers rely on their husbands as their main support in the host city. Recommendations: An emphasis on teaching of respectful maternity care in midwifery is needed, the availability of more and highly skilled and caring midwives and the need for support groups for expatriate mothers.

Keywords

Nursing

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