Possible Barriers to Breastfeedinf in Indo-Canadian Women

Nursing support and provision of accurate information immediately after birth and in the first 72 hours postpartum is critical to the initiation and continuation of successful breastfeeding.

Because Indo-Canadian women feel colostrum is a "hot" food they not only deprive their infants of the best initial food possible but they also delay putting baby to their breast and thus impair the production of breast milk. This can lead to difficulties in producing enough milk to satisfy their baby's needs.

Indo-Canadian women can be encouraged to breast feed by using culturally sensitive language. An example of this would be to refer to "early milk" instead of speaking about colostrum.

Breastfeeding initiation and duration is greatest when:

Baby is breastfed within the first hour postpartum.

Baby is given between 8 and 12 feeds per 24 hours.

Baby is exclusively breastfed.

The perinatal nurse is in the best position to provide teaching and guidance to help the new mother achieve this goal of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is by far the best nourishment for infants up to six months of age. Even though a number of possible barriers to breastfeeding in Indo-Canadian women exist they can be overcome with sensitivity, diligence and respect for traditional Indian beliefs and practices.

Nursing Implications