Submission ID 117481
| Issue/Objective | Breastfeeding supports maternal and child health, yet global rates remain below targets. Migration introduces challenges that shape breastfeeding practices, particularly among African-Black immigrant women in Canada's Prairies. This study aimed to understand the breastfeeding experiences and perspectives of African-Black immigrant women before and after migrating to Canada, highlighting factors that facilitated or hindered breastfeeding in the Canadian context. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This qualitative study employed an Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA) to gain in-depth insights into the breastfeeding experiences of African-Black immigrant women. Participants were recruited between August and October 2024 using purposive and snowball sampling. Eligibility criteria included self-identifying as African-Black, residing in Saskatoon for at least six months, and having breastfed at least one child both before and after migration. Five participants were recruited and data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and anonymized to protect confidentiality. The data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to identify key themes related to breastfeeding transitions, cultural influences, and systemic barriers. Microsoft Word and Excel were used for data management and coding. Validation strategies such as member checking, peer debriefing, and reflexive journaling were employed to ensure the rigour of findings. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Saskatchewan's Behavioural Research Ethics Board (Beh-REB) (ID 4995), and all participants provided informed consent. |
| Results | Five overarching themes emerged: (1) positive breastfeeding experiences and maternal satisfaction, (2) family and community support, (3) cultural practices and societal acceptance, (4) healthcare support and resource access, and (5) barriers and challenges to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding was generally perceived as a natural and culturally valued practice. However, migration introduced challenges, including adapting to new cultural norms, navigating healthcare systems, language barriers, and social isolation. Despite these difficulties, women relied on traditional knowledge, family, and community support to sustain breastfeeding. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | The study highlights the need for culturally inclusive breastfeeding support services tailored to African-Black immigrant women. These findings can inform healthcare practices, policy development, and future research aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes for immigrant communities in Canada. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Nneka Kene-Ibeagha University of Saskachewan Dr Kalyani Premkumar University of Saskatchewan Dr Palmer-Clarke Yolanda University of Saskachewan Dr Jacob Alhassan University of Saskachewan |
