Résumé
The postpartum period is a time of change and challenge for women. Such challenges can be exacerbated for immigrant and minority women due to language and cultural differences, which negatively impact mental well-being. South Asian immigrant women often engage in lower levels of physical activity compared to European counterparts. Moreover, this population tends to have higher levels of postpartum depression, coupled with a knowledge gap in understanding physical activity benefits for well-being. Limited research exists surrounding postpartum physical activity beliefs and practices among immigrant South Asian women. The study purpose was to understand perspectives and beliefs surrounding physical activity and postpartum care in South Asian immigrant women in Canada. Eleven women (Mage =31.6) who were within their first year postpartum, and had immigrated from India to Canada, engaged in semi-structured interviews in Punjabi. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed from Punjabi into English. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted and four themes were developed: (a) tension between self-care as essential for infant caregiving versus prioritizing infant caregiving over self-care, (b) physical activity was important to care for one’s child and the home, but perceptions of what constituted physical activity varied (i.e., domestic responsibilities); (c) lack of time, lack of knowledge, a physically weak body, and exhaustion were barriers to physical activity engagement, and (d) social support was crucial in improving mental well-being and reducing feelings of isolation, particularly for those with live-in family. Findings highlight the importance of cultural alignment in postpartum physical activity promotion, which can inform culturally-relevant postpartum supports.
