NEST: Not Even A Safe Territory: The Maternity Experiences Of Women Seeking Asylum In Australia

Background: In the context of the global refugee crisis, this research focuses on the maternity care experiences of women seeking asylum, who are a distinct group with different needs than refugees or migrants. Perinatal outcomes are significantly poorer for women who seek asylum, than women who birth in their high-income country of origin. Aim: To explore the maternity care experiences of asylum seekers, and their caregivers, in Australia. Method: Qualitative research was conducted, using a phenomenological approach. Data was collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews with women, midwives and doulas. Discussion: In order to increase midwives and doulas confidence in caring for and identifying women seeking asylum training is necessary in trauma-informed, culturally safe care. Organisational changes are needed to improve access to maternity care for these disadvantaged women. Participating women expressed their loneliness and lack of support but appreciated the kindness of their caregivers. Conclusion: This research, by examining the maternity experiences of women seeking asylum in Australia, shines a light on this under-researched issue. This study provides some important insights into the challenges faced by women seeking asylum and the midwives and doulas caring for them. Further research is necessary to design and implement changes to current maternity models.

Author dc:creator

• Frank, Glenys Dale

Statement dc:rights

• info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
• The author owns the copyright in this thesis including all reproduction and reuse rights for the work. The work may not be altered without the permission of the copyright owner. Attribution is essential when quoting or paraphrasing from this thesis.
• © 2023 Glenys Dale Frank
• au.edu.uts.lib/cph

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/178224

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:opus.lib.uts.edu.au:10453/178224