Area of Science:

• Sociology of migration
• Maternal health studies
• Qualitative research methods

Context:

• Examines the maternal experiences of women immigrating to Quebec within the last five years.
• Highlights the unique challenges faced by immigrant mothers in a new socio-cultural environment.

Purpose:

• To present the findings of a qualitative study on the lived experiences of maternity among recent immigrants in Quebec.
• To understand the emotional, social, and practical aspects of motherhood for this population.

Summary:

• Fifteen immigrant mothers reported their maternal role as a significant responsibility, developing autonomy postnatally while facing isolation and reliance on partners.
• Emotional experiences ranged from happiness to anxiety and sadness, influenced by their perceptions of maternity and immigration.
• Maintaining connections to their culture of origin and utilizing professional services were key coping strategies for well-being.

Impact:

• The study underscores the profound life disruption motherhood entails for immigrant women, intensified by social isolation.
• Partners are crucial allies; appreciated services include nurse home visits, 'From Tiny Tot to Toddler,' and Info-Santé.
• Recommendations include further research on immigrant fathers and enhanced support for socially isolated mothers.