Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore the cultural beliefs and practices of resettled Somali refugee women around pregnancy and childbirth. This study took place in the Midwestern region of the United States. Methodology: Leininger’s theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality served as the theoretical framework for the design of this qualitative descriptive study. Data were collected from 15 Somali refugee women through in-depth interviews. Results: Three major themes emerged from this study. This article focuses on one of the themes: It’s what women believe and do. This theme is reflective and indicative of the Somali refugee women cultural beliefs and practices during pregnancy, and during and after childbirth. Discussion and Conclusion: Somali refugee women approached, managed, and conceptualized pregnancy and childbirth in their cultural context. Western health care providers should strive to understand cultural beliefs and conceptualizations that may influence the utilization of prenatal health care.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore Somali refugee women’s experiences and perceptions of Western health care in the United States. This study took place in the Midwestern region of the United States. Methodology: This qualitative descriptive study collected data from 15 participants through in-depth interviews. Results: Six themes emerged: (a) communication and resource provision, (b) participatory decision-making, (c) provider attitudes toward cultural practices, (d) understanding the U.S. health care system, (e) resistance to Western health care and, (f) religious beliefs. Discussion and Conclusion: Accounts of the women in this study ran the gamut from positive views to those that were more critical and replete with complaints about Western health care providers and the system. Somali refugee women need culturally competent health care providers who provide sensitive care, offer resources, and involve the women in decision-making about their care.