Scoping review of the evidence concerning the unique needs and experiences of Orthodox Jewish couples using maternity services
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Background
of the 300,000 Jews living in the UK today, 19% identify as Orthodox. High fertility rates within some of the community sub-groups make interactions with NHS maternity services frequent. The unique lifestyle and religious customs of community members have the potential to make these interactions complex and confusing for both NHS staff and community members.
Aims
to identify relevant studies and map the literature concerning the interaction of Orthodox Jewish couples with maternity services and identify gaps in the literature.
Method
a scoping review, undertaken in line with the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley, following PRISMA and JBI guidelines. We searched CINAHL, SocINDEX, Medline, ProQuest, Web of Science and grey literature.
Results
of the twelve included studies, ten were qualitative and two were quantitative. The geographical locations included Israel and North America, with no studies conducted in the UK. Half of the studies were carried out over 10 years ago. Using Thomas and Harden’s thematic synthesis, five analytical themes were identified: 1. Between the Divine and the Earthly: Negotiating Faith and Modern Medicine. 2. Holding Space or Holding Back: The Role of the Husband and the Community. 3. Born to Become a Mother, through Joy and Hardship. 4. Praying Quietly: Coping Mechanisms. 5. Keeping it Kosher: Religious and Maternity Care.
Conclusion
the maternity experiences of Orthodox Jewish couples reflect unique needs shaped by a complex interplay of faith and risk-based medicine. The centrality of the community serves as a double-edged sword, offering vital support while also imposing restrictions and norms. There is an urgent need for high-quality research in the UK into the needs and experiences of Orthodox Jewish couples to inform NHS policies.
