Table 2 Recommendations to improve the care and support of minoritised ethnic women

Cultural safety training

Cultural safety training is needed for maternity care staff to raise awareness of unconscious biases in terms of language and interpersonal behaviours that women experience as potentially ‘discriminatory’ and ‘racist’, and to increase understanding of specific cultural and religious needs, including:

o women may need their body and hair to be covered during care

o parents may have requests for prayers at time of birth

o parents may want to take their placenta home

o parents may want vegetarian options in vitamin K vaccinations

o the challenging nature of mental health or other social issues within specific family-based situations (i.e., single parenthood)

Developing appropriate resources

Services need to consult with the women they serve to understand the needs of their local population, and co-design services accordingly. This should include co-creating:

o Content (written, or digital) on suitable topics, including screening and identification of mental health issues

o Information to be translated into appropriate languages

o Appropriate signage to ensure women feel included

Recording systems

o Systems need to be adapted to ensure women’s self-disclosed ethnicity can be recorded (rather than fit pre-defined classifications)

o Maternity staff should proactively ask about, document, and routinely consult with parents about cultural or religious needs at initial and subsequent appointments (such as via birth plans)

Dietary options

o More suitable menu options are required to meet dietary needs

Female healthcare provider

o Staff need to acknowledge this preference and ensure this can be provided wherever possible

Facilities

o Suitable prayer and washing facilities should be offered in delivery and birth centre settings.