Transition to motherhood in the shade of immigration: experiences of Syrian mothers living in turkey
Öznur Körükcü (TR), Ruveyde Aydin Aydin (TR), Kamile Kukulu (TR)
[Körükcü] Akdeniz University, [Aydin] Akdeniz University, [Kukulu] a
Abstract Introduction: Increasing number of Syrian immigrants with each passing day also increases the ratio of births given by immigrant women. Aim: Clarify difficulties, positive and negative life experiences suffered by Syrian immigrant women living in Turkey in the process of transition to motherhood. Method: Research data were gathered between February 1 and March 1 2016. Individual in-depth interviews have been performed by use of the semi-structured forms prepared by the researchers. Findings: The findings have been grouped under five themes including being a pregnant woman in a foreign country, having a baby in a foreign country, difficulties suffered by immigrant mothers, turning points in the life of immigrant mothers and the reflection of cultural beliefs of immigrant women in baby caring, as experienced by Syrian immigrant mothers in the process of transition to motherhood in Turkey. Additionally, the subthemes of fear, difficulties of crowded living, struggling with difficulties of immigration, necessity of social support and poverty have been determined. Conclusion: Determination of experiences of Syrian immigrant women in the process of transition to motherhood in a foreign country is a global resposibility for healthcare staff and researchers. Keywords: Migration, Migration and motherhood, Transition to motherhood