Multicultural doula care from the perspectives of immigrant women in Norway: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to illuminate immigrant women’s experiences of multicultural doula care as part of the ‘Vulnerable, pregnant and new in Norway – Safe during childbirth with a multicultural doula’ project.

Methods The qualitative design was based on Braun & Clarke’s thematic analysis. Semi-structured interviews were held, assisted by an interpreter, with seven immigrant women from three different countries.

Results The overarching theme illuminated a significant caring relationship between the immigrant women and their multicultural doula. The relationship was important for the women’s positive childbirth experience. Furthermore, four themes emerged as follows: feeling alone and scared; needing to be looked after; not knowing the language; and giving birth in a new and unfamiliar culture. The results revealed that the women felt safeguarded by the multicultural doula. They felt cared for and understood when the doulas acted as guides, knowing the culture and language, in collaboration with the midwife in maternal care.

Conclusions Multicultural doulas can contribute to optimizing the quality of care provided to immigrant women during pregnancy and childbirth, with focus on an equal quality of care for all women. The findings can raise awareness of cultural competence in midwifery practice. More research is needed to develop new models that incorporate multicultural doulas into healthcare policies.