South Asian women's experiences of maternal mental health

Objectives
Research suggests that South Asian women may be more likely to experience distress following childbirth and less likely to receive psychological intervention, compared to White women. Additionally, South Asian women may be exposed to further risks that relate to birth trauma. Therefore, this study explored how South Asian women make sense of birth trauma and how they seek support.

Methods
This study employed a qualitative design with interpretative phenomenological analysis. Public and participant involvement, reflexivity and trauma-informed approaches guided the research process. Recruitment was conducted using purposive and snowball sampling methods and was advertised through third sector organisations, specialist postnatal research groups and social media. Participants self-identified experiences of birth trauma. Participants completed a semi-structured interview via telephone or Google Meets.

Results
Interpretative phenomenological analysis developed four themes ‘the power of maternity healthcare professionals,’ ‘loss of connection,’ ‘disentangling discrimination’ and ‘pervasive cultural stigma in motherhood.’

Conclusions
This research highlighted the power differentials between maternity healthcare professionals and discriminatory interactions contributing to childbirth-related relational trauma. The birthing experience represented a multitude of losses for SA women. Formal support seeking was limited by cultural stigma and mistrust in the National Health Service.