Abstract

Migration processes are a global phenomenon that can result in more vulnerable living conditions. Given these conditions, it is relevant to provide the necessary support for families in a situation of migration, in which pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing are some of the critical moments. This is how migrant women experience their motherhood in a different cultural context. Given the unfavorable living conditions, they may face difficulties in pregnancy such as premature birth, which could represent a traumatic and stressful experience. Few studies address these issues in Latin America and that is why the objective of this study is to describe the experiences of migrant mothers with a preterm son or daughter hospitalized in a neonatal unit. A qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 mothers emerging relevant issues emerged such as cultural differences about motherhood and parenting, living conditions, their experiences in childbirth, and finally what it means to be a mother is in a different country than theirs. These findings allow a better understanding of this phenomenon and could facilitate the development of strategies that would promote respectful and multicultural motherhood in neonatal units.