PURPOSE: The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to compare the childbirth experiences of Chinese mothers living in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and those who have lived in the United States (US) for at least three years in order to better understand how inherited and environmental culture affect Chinese women's birth experiences.

METHODS: Following IRB approval, Chinese women who had given birth in the last 12 months and who either currently lived in Panyu, Guanzhou, PRC or in the US participated in the study. Snowball sampling was utilized. After completing informed consent and demographic forms, audio-taped hour long interviews were conducted in Mandarin, Cantonese, or English. All interviews were translated and transcribed. Data collection and analysis proceeded concurently as appropriate for qualitative inquiry. Trustowrthiness of the data was established.

RESULTS: Themes included the need to observe Chinese cultural practices associatd with childbearing, feelings of responsibility when making the transition to motherhood, the fulfillment that comes with motherhood, and an understanding of the need but disapproval of the One Child Policy. Comparisons were made of giving birth in China versus giving birth in the US. One participant reported, "I would probably be Chinese in some ways and Western in others because I need to 'follow the customs of the village you enter.'" 

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Women's wisdom represents a significant source of expert knowledge for health care providers as we listen to their voices. Gaining insights into the perspectives of Chinese childbearing women is essential in the promotion of culturally competent nursing care.