Migrant mothers face a confusing and frustrating time when it comes to navigating New Zealand’s healthcare system, new research has found. But there are ways to make the process easier. The Asian population is the fastest growing ethnic group in New Zealand, currently making up 15% of the total population .
Three-quarters are migrants. And yet, research has found Asian women have poorer maternal and perinatal outcomes when compared with New Zealand Europeans. One recent study found that while pregnant Asian mothers were more likely to see a doctor than New Zealand European mothers, they were less likely to have their first-choice lead maternity caregiver (LMC).
Speaking with migrant mothers from China and India, our research identified overarching themes describing their experiences with healthcare in New Zealand. The interviewees also outlined ways their needs could be better integrated into the health system. A lack of understanding New Zealand’s maternal healthcare is considered relatively unique .
Midwives are the lead maternity carer for more than 90% of women . But that uniqueness can cause problems for migrant mothers. Most of the research participants said they were not aware of the different health services available to them and their children.
As one Indian mother said: [I had] a pretty hard time to find a good midwife because when I was pregnant for the first time, I didn’t know anything, and New Zealand is a new country. And I didn’t have anyone, didn’t .