Pandemic Lessons for Equitable Maternity Care: Cross-Cultural Perspectives from Immigrant Mothers in Spain

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing inequities in maternity care, particularly among culturally diverse and migrant women. Although data were collected during the early pandemic phase, revisiting these experiences offers valuable insights for strengthening equity, cultural safety, and system preparedness in maternal healthcare. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological–hermeneutic study was conducted in a tertiary maternity hospital in Spain. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six women from diverse cultural backgrounds. Data were analysed inductively through thematic analysis, followed by a secondary interpretive review in 2024 to identify enduring implications for culturally safe, equitable, and crisis-resilient maternity care. Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) heightened fear and uncertainty surrounding hospital care; (2) emotional distress linked to restrictions on companionship and support; (3) disruption of culturally embedded postpartum practices, resulting in isolation; and (4) health literacy barriers and dependence on informal information sources. Despite these challenges, participants demonstrated notable adaptability and resilience. Conclusions: COVID-19 amplified structural inequities in maternity care for culturally diverse mothers. The findings highlight the need to reinforce cultural safety, health literacy support, language mediation, family-centred care, and emotional wellbeing. These insights may inform efforts to strengthen resilient and equitable maternal health systems and improve preparedness for future public health emergencies.