New study researches possible discrepancy in Hmong mothers and breastfeeding

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - There’s a new study underway looking at the low rates of breastfeeding in Hmong women. One student from Wausau’s Medical College of Wisconsin is partnering with Marshfield Clinic.

While looking at patient data, Marshfield Medical Center in Wausau noticed a big discrepancy. There’s a drastic difference in the amount of white and non-Hispanic women exclusively breastfeeding versus Hmong mothers.

“Because we have a lot of Hmong in this area and we serve all patients, we wanted to investigate this further and understand why that disparity might exist,” Marshfield Medical Center-Weston Quality Manager Ashley Knox said.

“I did some research and I did find out that there is not a lot of research regarding Hmong women’s health and Hmong women’s health in breastfeeding,” Medical College of Wisconsin-Wausau student Kia Lor said.

Lor is currently interviewing Hmong women over the age of 18 who are pregnant or are mothers. She’s already talked to six but hopes to speak with 60 to complete the study. She’s asking why they might not breastfeed.

“Is there some kind of barrier that we can reach at? Whether that is language or whether that’s education, or work or lifestyle,” she said.

Due to those possible barriers, these mothers might not know about the benefits of breastfeeding and if it is right for them.

“Breastfeeding is very important for anybody who is able to breastfeed because of the numerous short and long-term effects,” RN and Lactation Consultant at Marshfield Medical Center-Weston, Dawn Eichman, said. “Overall, it will really strengthen the baby’s immune system.”

With the results of this study and the research conducted, Marshfield Clinic is looking to make its classes and services more inclusive with virtual and translated options.

“All patients deserve safe, quality care, so we really want to make sure we are understanding our patient population and providing that to them,” Knox added.