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Abstract
Purpose
This study was done to explore the lived experience of pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and early child rearing in married immigrant women in urban areas.
Methods
Data were collected from February to April, 2011 through in-depth interviews. Nine immigrant women were selected in a metropolitan area through the purposive and snowball sampling method. After obtaining IRB permission and informed consent from the participants, all interviews were recorded with MP3 recorder and transcribed for analysis. Using the phenomenological approach, data collected through in-depth interviewing were analyzed following Colaizzi style.
Results
Data analysis revealed 4 categories and 10 themes related to pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and early child rearing of married immigrant women in urban areas. These four categories were 'A clumsy foreigner's life with nostalgia', 'Crisis in the crisis', 'Unprepared for motherhood', and 'Living together with new family without regrets'. It was a common finding that they were not ready to be mothers because of the very short time for adjustment in Korea. Compared to rural, immigrant women urban women had various in social support systems.
Summary Statement
▪ What is already known about this topic?
It is known that over 80% of the immigrant women in Korea have a baby within one year after arriving. But they have not had an opportunity for education about mothering and child rearing. In addition, despite of increasing number of immigrant women in urban areas, they are still stereotyped as rural residents.
▪ What this paper adds?
First, in contrast to the similarities in socioeconomic status in rural areas, mothering experiences of immigrant women in urban are heterogeneous in family support. Second, in this study their lived experiences from pregnancy to new mothering was explored and their words were recorded and analyzed. The results will help nurses become aware of the need for sensitivity in caring for multi-culture families.
▪ Implication for practice, education and/or policy
The immigrant women in urban areas who do not have family support should be guaranteed minimum support for mothering and child-rearing and should be able to receive culturally appropriate care.
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