KRAAMZORG AS CARE AND BEYOND: INTERNATIONAL MOTHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF MATERNITY CARE ASSISTANTS IN THE NETHERLANDS

Abstract

The postnatal period is an important and transitional time for new mothers, and more complex for mothers in a migration context. In the Netherlands, maternity care assistants (MCAs) provide postnatal care at home. Past research has identified numerous challenges to migrant maternal and postnatal care, including language and communication barriers, cultural needs and misunderstandings, and the importance of social support at home and abroad. Existing research examines non-Western and displaced populations, while less is known about other migrant groups. This study qualitatively examines international women’s perceptions and experiences of MCA care through a framework examining the role of expectations, culture and communication in experience. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 international mothers from diverse countries of origin, and 2 Dutch mothers. Thematic analysis found that MCA care expectations form along thematic lines which did not positively or negatively relate to experiences. Respondents had positive experiences of MCA care overall: care and cultural traditions mutually accommodated each other, English-language care removed most language barriers and communication challenges, when resolved, yielded positive experiences. Findings suggest that respondents’ multicultural background helped them to shape expectations and contextualize their Dutch postnatal experience. This illustrates the diversity of experience across migrant groups and highlights the effectiveness of client-centered approaches using a common language to provide effective and participatory cross-cultural care. Additional research is needed to better understand the diverse needs and experiences of international families in the Dutch postnatal care context.