Context Matters: A Qualitative Study About the Perinatal Experiences of Latina Immigrant Women.

Abstract

Although immigrants' health is better compared to their native-born counterparts, their wellbeing starts to deteriorate as they spend more time in the United States. To date, few qualitative studies investigate how migration can influence the perinatal period. This study qualitatively assesses Latina immigrant mothers' perinatal experiences. Thirty Latina women were recruited in 2015 to participate in interviews, all of which were conducted in Spanish. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Latina mothers' experiences during the perinatal period were impacted by the cultural expectations that may or may not depend on the context where they are located. Context-independent themes included: (1) Cravings and (2) Body dissatisfaction. Context-dependent themes included: (1) Breastfeeding and (2) Loss of extended social ties. In order to reduce health disparities in the perinatal period among Latina immigrant mothers and their children, it is necessary to provide interventions that promote healthy behaviors and increase social capital and peer support.