Infant Feeding Practices Among Indigenous Women in Northwest Territories, Canada: Results From the Maternal and Infant Health Project

Abstract

This project occurred in three Northwest Territories (NWT) communities and aimed to assess infant feeding practices and experiences among Indigenous mothers. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design, self-identifying Indigenous women of childbearing age (15-49 years) who had delivered in the past three years were invited to participate. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via a semi-structured questionnaire regarding infant feeding intentions, feeding experiences, and contact with the baby after childbirth. Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Of the 145 participants (mean age 29.78 years; SD ±6.08), 12% were pregnant. Most participants (73%) reported having had the intention to exclusively breastfeed before birth; 87% initiated breastfeeding, with 82% receiving breastfeeding initiation support at the hospital or health centre; and 48% reported no challenges breastfeeding. 76% had skin-to-skin contact when holding the baby for the first time. Rates of skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) among participants who had vaginal births than among participants who had emergency and scheduled Caesarean -sections. Regarding feeding, 44% of participants exclusively breastfed for up to three months, and 50% introduced solid foods between six and twelve months. Traditional foods and medicine were introduced to 66% of infants before twelve months. Three themes emerged: barriers to breastfeeding, facilitators of breastfeeding, and formula feeding. Many women participating in this project successfully initiated breastfeeding and reported a positive experience with no challenges. To further improve infant nutrition in NWT, a community-led approach leveraging local expertise, traditional knowledge, and the wisdom of community Elders is encouraged.