Hmong Women: Postpartum Family Support and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore social support and life satisfaction of the Wisconsin Hmong women in the postpartum period. A convenience sample of 52 childbearing Hmong women from northcentral and north-eastern Wisconsin were interviewed using a semistructured interview. Data were analyzed using the sensitization method. The women in this study received supportfrom relatives, many of whom lived in the home with them. Thefathers were the primary source of support, helping with infant care and assisting with child care tasks. A great deal of support in child care was also receivedfrom their mothers, mothers-in-law, and other relatives. Life satisfaction depended on the length of stay in the United States and was generally related to education, employment, independence in self-care, a desirefor a smallerfamily, and the ability to access existing resources for child care.