Seeking asylum and motherhood: health and wellbeing needs
Reynolds, B.; White, J.
Community Practitioner the Journal of the Community Practitioners' and Health Visitors' Association 83(3): 20-23
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1462-2815 PMID: 20345055 Document Number: 642207
Pregnant asylum-seeking women and those with young babies living in initial accommodation centres are a highly vulnerable group. The care that these women receive during pregnancy, childbirth and in the postnatal period can have a lifelong impact on them and their babies. This study, conducted in June 2008, investigates the health and wellbeing needs of this group of women through holding in-depth consultations with professionals from the main organisations involved in their care and accommodation. Analysis of consultations identified areas of concern--health needs, women in transition, access to services, access to resources and information, and working environment. Several recommendations are made, which constitute small changes in practice that could make large differences to the quality of life of women in this group.