The maternity experiences of Filipino migrant women in Malta

Abstract

Purpose: Over the past 50 years, Europe has seen a dramatic increase in migrant diversity. To ensure equitable access to care, maternity systems must be well-equipped to meet the specific needs of pregnant migrants. While the migration of the Filipino population has become more feminised, research on their maternity experiences, both locally and internationally, remains limited. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to elicit and understand the maternity experiences of Filipino migrant women in Malta. It had four main objectives: first, to explore Filipino migrant women’s perspectives on the maternity care they received; second, to understand how these women constructed meanings around their maternity experiences. Third, to capture the challenges they encountered during their maternity journey; and fourth, to gain insight into what enhanced their overall experience. Methodology: A qualitative paradigm utilising semi-structured interviews was adopted, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The interview guide was specifically created to address the study’s aim and objectives. Intermediaries purposively sampled nine women through the predetermined inclusion criteria from Obstetric Wards. The data was transcribed verbatim and analysed by using the interpretative phenomenological method put forward by Smith et al. (2022), incorporating the double hermeneutic circle, where the researcher sought to make sense of the participants making sense of their own experiences. Additionally, the researcher utilised Crenshaw's (1991) Theory of Intersectionality to shed light on the interpretations of the generated findings. Results: Three main group experiential themes and corresponding subthemes emerged from the data. The first theme, Malta - A Beacon of Hope, highlighted Filipina migrants’ sense of security and gratitude, emphasising the value of affordable and good-quality maternity care in Malta. The second theme, Struggling with Adversity, addressed the intensified challenges of pregnancy and early motherhood for migrants due to the complexities of living abroad. The third theme, Silver Linings, revealed how Filipina mothers in Malta found stability and strength amidst migration’s hardships through adapting to their new environment and fostering deep spiritual connections. Conclusions: Crenshaw’s (1991) Intersectionality Theory helped to examine the roles of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, relationships, and societal systems in influencing access to maternity resources and personal experiences. Policymakers should improve access to quality maternity care for Filipina migrants by offering free and face-to-face antenatal and postnatal classes for migrants. This fosters community support networks, reduces isolation, and enhances cultural integration. Healthcare providers need culturally competent training to address the psychological and cultural needs of migrant women effectively. Future research should explore the experiences of diverse ethnic groups, multiparous Filipino women and use mixed methods to provide comprehensive insights into migrant maternity experiences.