Culture and maternity care in Kazakhstan: what new mothers expected

Abstract

Maternity care in Kazakhstan has been characterized as low in quality with low levels of public health knowledge. Previous research indicates childbirth preparation courses improve knowledge and encourage participation and decision making of mothers. Such courses, are rare in Kazakhstan. This study examined the benefits of childbirth preparation courses as well as the needs and expectations regarding childbirth care through the perspectives of new mothers. The qualitative method of focus groups was chosen for this study in order to examine how people use and interpret meanings and messages in particular contexts. The criteria for participation included women who have given birth within the previous 12 months in Astana and had attended childbirth courses provided by the non-governmental organization SABI Astana.