What women say about their childbirth experiences: The case of Hmong women in Australia
Author(s):
Rice, Pranee Liamputtong
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Journal Of Reproductive And Infant Psychology, Volume 17, Issue 3 (1999-08). pp. 237-253.
Language:
English
Abstract:
An ethnographic study examined the perceptions and experiences of Hmong women, who are now living in Australia, in regard to childbirth. In-depth interviews covering a number of issues concerning reproductive health were conducted with 27 Hmong women (aged 20–51+ yrs). In general, Hmong women were satisfied with care received during pregnancy, birth and postpartum period. However, the women also had many difficulties during these periods, due largely to the different systems of cultural beliefs and practices related to childbearing. Issues related to communication also presented problems, as women could not speak English proficiently. The results indicate that health professionals in birthing services need to acknowledge cultural diversity as well as variability among women, for individual circumstances present important differences in terms of the care needed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)