Navigating Maternity as an Expatriate: A Qualitative Inquiry into Maternal Experiences in the Netherlands

Abstract

Billie C Gilliland*, Sandra K Cesario, Peggy Landrum and Tracy McManaman-Bridges

This study explores the personal experiences of expatriate women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period in the Netherlands. The expatriate women’s population continues to grow globally, but their experiences in navigating the maternal healthcare system are underexplored and often are lumped into general immigrant data. This research aimed to understand how healthcare practices, language differences, and lack of social connection significantly shaped their maternity care experiences. Semi structured interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of 12 expatriate mothers from 5 different countries of origin, and the data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis. Five major themes emerged: navigating the healthcare system, encountering care through voice and relationship, living between cultures, navigating body and mind, and the lived experience of breastfeeding. Many participants highlighted the significance of autonomy, trust, and communication in shaping their perceptions of care quality. The findings underscore the importance of culturally responsive maternity care that supports diverse needs and enhances the well-being of birthing individuals in cross-cultural contexts. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on global maternal health and calls for healthcare systems to adopt more inclusive and adaptable practices for expatriate populations.

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