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Maternity Care For Refugee Women

Refugee women are a heterogeneous group of individuals who have been compelled to leave their homes due to conflict persecution, or other forms of violence. They hail from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and religions, and possess distinct experiences and obstacles. Despite the adversities they encounter, many refugee women exhibit remarkable resilience and resourcefulness, and make valuable contributions to their communities (Rogers et al., 2023).

Pregnant women who are refugees have a high risk of adverse perinatal outcomes compared to women born in a host country. Their perinatal healthcare needs are recognised globally as a public health priority. Women who are refugees are vulnerable due to prior exposure to violence , trauma and poor health care services. Furthermore, they encounter many challenges in host countries such as ; culture variation, language barriers , lack of finances to access health care , lack of health insurance, lack of transport , lack of knowledge on the health care system and facilities as well as lack of support  from family and close friends (Rogers et al., 2020).

Refugee pregnant woman .jpg
pregnant refugee woman.jpg

Pregnancy can be challenging for any woman, but for refugees, it can be an even greater struggle. These women often face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, proper nutrition, and safe living conditions, which can have serious consequences for their health and that of their unborn child. Our website is dedicated to raising awareness about the difficulties that pregnant women face and to advocating their right to receive the and support they need. We are confident that our efforts will make a meaningful impact in the lives of these women and their families, and invite you to join us in this important mission.

According to MCWH (2021), refugee and immigrant women have higher rates of pre eclampsia, diabetes and stillbirths.

WELCOME

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The impact of Being a Refugee on Pregnancy and ChildBirth.

Being a refugee can have both short  and long term impacts on mothers , babies and families at large.

These includes: 

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  • Feeling foreign, lonely and no sense of belonging.

  • Feeling isolated and separated from family.

  • Lack of support from family and close friends.

  • Feeling disempowered and different pregnancy and birth practices .

  • Financial stress

  • Poverty

  • Poor Nutrition

  • Increased maternal and infant mortality

  • Mental health disorders such as anxiety , PTSD and depression. 

Policies and guidelines 

Highlighted below is a list of policies and guidelines recommended for use when caring for refugee women, it is suggested that continuity of care leads to better outcomes. Refugee women should receive continued care from preconception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum  in order to ensure good health and birth outcomes. However, the guidelines also acknowledge that refugee women face many challenges that can hinder them from accessing health care services and therefore suggests that women must be referred to appropriate service providers such as social workers, psychologists and other allied health in order to carter for social wellbeing and mental health. 

  1.  Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines: Pregnancy care for migrant and refugee women

  2.  Australian Refugee Health Practice guide: Women's Health

  3.  Improving Maternity care for refugee and migrant women in WA: 2013 - 2014 workshops reports

  4.  Toolkit of Resources for provision of care to refugee and migrant women accessing maternity services.

  5.  WHO: Improving the healthcare of pregnant refugee and migrant women and newborn children: Technical guidance

CARING FOR REFUGEE WOMEN IN MATERNITY

Challenges and barriers faced by refugee women in maternity care.

Refugee women encounter so many challengess that can hinder them from accessing maternity or midwifery care services such as:

  • Communication and language barriers.

  • lack of health insurance

  • Unfamiliarity with the health system 

  • Proximity to health care facilities

  • Transport challenges 

  • Unemployment 

  • Financial challenges 

Services available for refugee women

There are several services available that provides health services to refugee women. With the exemption of the Refugee Antenatal Clinics, there is no formal continuity of care

These includes:

  • Refugee Antenatal Clinics

  • General Practitioners (GP)

  • Hospital Based Midwife

  • Community Based Midwifery Group Practices.

  • Interpreter Services 

  • Social services . These services provide support, education, and empowerment to help refugee women integrate into Australian society and rebuild their lives. From language classes to job training, social services for refugee are essential for creating a brighter future for all.

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