Possible Barriers to Breastfeeding in Indo-Canadian Women

There are a number of Indian traditions that relate to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.Family members such as mothers, sisters and aunts usually communicate such knowledge and hand them down from generation to generation.

Many women who immigrate to Canada are separated from family and therefore are separated from such knowledge.

Indian traditions which are possible barriers to breastfeeding:

Sava Maheena Shelba

40 day rest period after childbirth for new mothers. When difficulties in breastfeeding arise the new mother is unable to seek help from community sources because she is confined to her family's home. She is also restricted from attending mother-infant drop-ins.

Visits from extended family and community members as a sign of respect.

Because Indo-Canadian women are very modest they won't expose their breasts and find themselves isolated in a room away from family and friends.

Women work outside the home after childbirth to help support the family.

This practice encourages mothers to establish bottle-feeding early so they can leave their babies in the care of family members.

Garum Bhai

Tradition associated with balancing hot and cold. Along with considering colostrum to be a "hot" food, which disrupts baby's equilibrium, other balance-maintaining traditions include discouraging showers and exposure to the sun for new mothers.

Traditions