Effects of COVID-19 on breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers in Canada: A qualitative study

Abstract

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the health and well-being of the population at large, especially immigrant women with young children. It is essential to explore the breastfeeding experiences of immigrant women who are vulnerable and often lack adequate breastfeeding support in a new country. This study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 on the breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada.

This critical ethnographic study was undertaken during the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. After seeking approval from the ethics review board, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 30 immigrant mothers with a young child aged 1 day to 24 months. Participants were recruited from different cities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Data from in-depth interviews were triangulated with information gathered through field observations and a review of media reports. Data were analyzed manually by the researcher and patient partners on this project. Multiple steps were followed to analyze data inductively and iteratively. Data analysis involved isolation of codes, comparison and validation of codes, identification of categories specifying both positive and negative effects of COVID-19, and derivation of the broad themes reflecting the effects of COVID-19 on breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers. Interpretations drawn from the data were verified with the study participants.

The findings suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic has both positive and negative effects on the breastfeeding practices of immigrant women who are mothering. Key themes derived from the findings include quality time with an infant, lack of support and isolation, limited healthcare access and lactation counselling, mother-baby separation, healthcare restrictions and financial instability.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to promote, protect and support breastfeeding of immigrant women facing add-on challenges due to limited social support, isolation, and financial instability in a new country. This study provides unique insight that can make a difference moving forward by highlighting the adjustments that need to be made in healthcare practices for immigrant women to have a more positive breastfeeding experience in a future pandemic.