The "Double Pain" of Childbirth: Immigrant Women's Preference for Female Providers Intrapartum [33Q]. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aubrey, Christa; Mumtaz, Zubia; Chari, Radha; Mitchell, Peter (BF)
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 129 (2017)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000514142.23481.5a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: Having a male obstetrical provider can be particularly problematic for some immigrant women whose religio-cultural ideals instill a strong preference for female providers. The objective of this study was to gain understanding of the importance and effect of provider gender for immigrant women accessing obstetrical care. METHODS: A focused ethnography was conducted using purposive and convenience sampling of 38 immigrant women from one hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Data collection comprised of semi-structured interviews antenatally (38) and postpartum (21), and observation intrapartum (17). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was managed by a qualitative data analysis software, and analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: Women came from various educational and ethnic backgrounds, but the majority were Muslim (30) and married (36), with a mean age of 27.7 years. All women stated that although they preferred a female, they would accept care from a male provider, as provider competency and desire for a safe birth were most important. A culture of modesty, often interwoven with Islam, informed this preference. Nonetheless, women experienced varying degrees of psychological stress from having received care from a male provider intrapartum, which for a small minority led to considerable, potentially serious consequences. CONCLUSION: As a whole, women are accepting of care from a male provider. However, for a small minority of women, it can be quite detrimental. There is a need to identify those women for whom this is a substantial barrier, so that optimal support can be determined.