Exploring English speaking Muslim women’s first-time maternity experiences: a qualitative longitudinal interview study

Abstract

Background Muslim women of child-bearing age make up a fair part of the UK society, however, literature addressing their health needs or experiences of health services have not been extensively researched. The term ‘Muslim’ is often combined with ethnic group identity, rather than used to refer to people distinguished by beliefs or affiliations. Muslim women commonly observe certain religious and cultural practices during their maternity journey. The little research there is in this area suggests that more could be done from a service provision perspective to support Muslim women through this significant life event. The aim of this study was to investigate Muslim women’s perceived needs and the factors that influence their health seeking decisions when engaging with maternity services located in North-West of England. Methods The study used longitudinal semi-structured interviews with seven English-speaking first-time pregnant Muslim women receiving maternity care in North-West of England. Total of 21 interview; each woman was interviewed during the antenatal (29 to 40 weeks of pregnancy), immediate postnatal (within the first 2 months after birth) and later postnatal (4 months after birth) period. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed using Braun & Clark (2006) as a guide to forming a systematic approach to handling raw data. Results Muslim women associated most aspects of the maternity journey with their religious beliefs. Religion was not the primary reason for them becoming pregnant, yet it was an aspiration for them becoming mothers. Emerging themes include: 1) a spiritual perspective; 2) expression of religious requirements; 3) perceptions of healthcare professionals. Religious values and practices provided a positive resource for women during their maternity journey. They described how healthcare professionals approached their needs, while highlighting their concerns of the negative presentation of Muslims in Western media. Conclusion Muslim women need to feel confident to express their needs within a maternity setting. Lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals around religious values and how Muslim women may feel when expressing their needs can inhibit them getting optimal care that acknowledges their needs. The study concludes that educating healthcare professionals about Muslim women’s worldview would enhance the quality of maternity care for Muslim women.

A qualitative study of healthcare professionals’ experiences of providing maternity care for Muslim women in the UK

“…This paper presents findings from the third phase of a three-phase qualitative study that explored Muslim women’s experiences of motherhood while engaging with NHS maternity services [ 14 , 16 ]. This third phase explored HCPs experiences of providing maternity services for Muslim women in the UK.…”

“…An interview guide was prepared by one of the authors (SH) based on a review of the initial analysis of data from Phases 1 and 2 of the study reported elsewhere [ 14 , 16 ]. Topics covered participants’ awareness of other cultures and religious beliefs, specific needs of Muslim women and good practice and training regarding care for Muslim women, full interview guide available in [ 16 ].…”

“…Their shared religious beliefs bring about common healthcare needs and challenges including for example, the need for medications that meet Islamic lawful requirements (free from animal-based substance). A recent study, highlighted that for Muslim women in the UK religion values and practices were embedded within most aspects of the maternity experience [ 14 ]. Muslim women used their religious beliefs as a recourse to help them stay positive, optimistic and resilient when faced with struggles throughout their maternity journey.…”

“…Muslim women used their religious beliefs as a recourse to help them stay positive, optimistic and resilient when faced with struggles throughout their maternity journey. However, it can also be a source of contention and anxiety in a maternity setting especially when women feel misunderstood and stigmatised for their beliefs [ 14 ].…”

Muslim women’s experiences of maternity services in the UK: qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis

“…The majority of the women's comments were in relation to midwives specifically. It is therefore important to educate HCPs including midwives to increase awareness of Islam, the beliefs and birth customs, to develop culturally competent care and facilitate woman-centred care when caring for Muslim women [26,27]. Further challenges at the system level are improving verbal and non-verbal communication, increasing the availability of interpreters, and emphasising the importance of continuity of care [31].…”