Table 3 Theme 2. Women living as undocumented migrants feel acknowledged and empowered through positive clinical encounters
Sub-categories | Categories | Themes |
|---|---|---|
Wanting to be treated like all pregnant women Needing a sense of safety and security Feelings of trust decreased distress and fear Feeling grateful and joyous when healthcare professionals were welcoming, empathic, and caring Feeling safe when perceiving that respect and equal treatment were provided Appreciating healthcare professionals who were approachable and more personal Positive healthcare behaviors influenced attendance Being able to ask healthcare staff questions beyond during visits increased trust Joyous healthcare environments promoted happiness Feeling that being acknowledge increased wellbeing | Displays of trustworthiness in healthcare professionals conveyed safety and security | |
Feeling gratitude for being provided adequate support Feeling thrilled when staff spoke their language Valuing information on how to handle childbirth, the postnatal phase, and impending motherhood When basic needs were met experiences were positive Appreciating perceptive healthcare professionals Being taken seriously during emergency situations increased trust in medical competence | The need for informed and flexible perinatal care | Feeling acknowledged and empowered through positive clinical encounters |
Finding it difficult to discuss their concerns and fears Worrying about protecting and providing for their unborn child and pre-existing children Sharing longing for the baby’s arrival induced positive feelings Experiencing nesting behaviors, joy, and anticipation Developing coping strategies and striving for meaning in life | The need for positive reinforcement in coping with pregnancy and motherhood | |
Unawareness of rights led to delaying seeking antenatal care NGOs educated women on their right to healthcare access NGOs/social networks empowered women to claim their rights NGOs/social networks facilitated positive experiences Feeling safe in sharing pregnancy with a supportive partner | Empowered by NGO’s and social networks in seeking healthcare |