Factors Influencing Hmong Women’s Decision to Breastfeed in La Crosse County, WI

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify behavioral intentions specific to the Hmong population using the Theory of Planned Behavior. A convenience sample of 25 Hmong mothers in western Wisconsin participated in the study as part of a brunch for Hmong women held at the La Crosse Public Health Building. Participants completed a questionnaire that measured theoretical constructs (behavioral beliefs, control beliefs, and normative beliefs) that measured their intentions to exclusively breastfeed their infants for six months. Forty percent of mothers reported infant health as an advantage to exclusive breastfeeding and 40% of mothers reported difficulty balancing work as a disadvantage to breastfeeding. Forty percent of mothers identified convenience as a facilitator of exclusive breastfeeding and 80% of mothers reported returning to work as a barrier. Forty percent of women felt no disapproval to performing exclusive breastfeeding, and 40% of mothers felt disapproval from an employer, themselves, or family. Interventions and polices to increase breastfeeding among Hmong mothers in western Wisconsin should focus on facilitating links within the Hmong community that support traditional breastfeeding practices, educating Hmong women to take advantage of their workplace breastfeeding rights, and encouraging an emphasis on cultural competency in healthcare settings.