Breastfeeding Challenges of Refugee Mothers in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Critical Ethnographic Study (203)

*PLEASE NOTE: The presenter was unable to travel to NANN at the last-minute, so during her presentation time in Las Vegas, a recording of her talk will be shown on the screen. She will be monitoring the chat during the time of her presentation to engage with attendees and answer any questions.

Refugee mothers, who often experience trauma, family separation, forced migration from one country to another, and social disconnection in a new country, are at risk of experiencing reduced physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, especially during the perinatal phase of their lives. Globally, COVID-19 has affected health and well-being of population at-large. During this global pandemic it is essential to explore breastfeeding challenges of the vulnerable group of refugee mothers to better respond to their challenges and promote neonatal health. This paper presents breastfeeding challenges of refugee mothers in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, and identifies strategies to promote, protect and support breastfeeding practices of refugee mothers during this pandemic.