Exploring birth trauma experiences in South Asian women: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Aims/Background: South Asian women may be more likely to experience distress following childbirth and risks linked with birth trauma. Additionally, South Asian women have been shown to be less likely to receive subsequent support, compared to White women. Therefore, this study explored how South Asian women make sense of birth trauma and seek support.

Design/Methods: This study employed a qualitative design with interpretative phenomenological analysis. Public and participant involvement, reflexivity and trauma-informed approaches guided research processes. Recruitment was conducted using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The study was advertised through third sector organisations, specialist postnatal research groups and social media. Eight participants with birth trauma experiences completed a semi-structured interview.

Results: Interpretative phenomenological analysis developed four themes ‘the power of maternity/obstetric healthcare professionals’, ‘loss of connection’, ‘disentangling discrimination’ and ‘pervasive cultural stigma in motherhood’. Findings highlighted the power differentials between maternity healthcare professionals and discriminatory interactions. The birthing experience represented a multitude of losses for South Asian women, which underpinned longstanding distress. Formal support seeking was limited by cultural stigma and mistrust of the National Health Service.

Conclusions: This research identified the complex interplay of negative experiences and mistreatment during childbirth, contributing to birth trauma in South Asian women. Clinical implications include improving the relational experience and well-being of South Asian women during childbirth. Research implications include continuing to situate South Asian women’s voices in maternal/perinatal research and service developments.