Family support and birth outcomes among second-generation Mexican immigrants

This article analyzes the experiences of Mexican immigrants, one of the largest and fastest growing immigrant groups. Extensive interviews were conducted with 41 Mexican-American women about their life, pregnancy, and childbirth experiences. The women recently had given birth to either a low-birth-weight or a normal-birthweight baby. Observing their lives through the lens of birth outcomes - a powerful marker for social and economic well-being - we find that families assume a crucial mediating role in providing support, protection, and opportunity to second-generation immigrant women. Socioeconomic resources and ties to Mexico were key factors influencing families' ability to provide support. Policy implications include supporting families in their caretaking roles, including economic development of the family. Direct interventions are needed with youth whose families are unable to provide support.