Immigrant mothers, who often experience separation from extended family and social disconnection in a new country, are at risk of experiencing reduced physical, mental and emotional well-being, especially during the perinatal phase of their lives. Saskatchewan has a noticeable increase in the immigrant population with young children, limited availability of healthcare settings with baby-friendly initiative (BFI) status, potential risks to the health of young immigrant children after breastfeeding discontinuation, and the limited number of empirical studies that intend to seek recommendations from immigrant mothers on need-based initiatives that can promote, protect and support their breastfeeding practices.

This qualitative study intended to seek recommendations from immigrant mothers belonging to diverse ethnic groups on need-based initiatives to promote, protect and support the breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada. Using a critical ethnographic study design, this study was undertaken in Saskatchewan, Canada. After receiving ethics approval, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 30 immigrant mothers with young children of age 1 day to 24 months. Immigrant mothers were recruited from different cities through purposive and snowball sampling. Data was also gathered through observations of breastfeeding services in Saskatchewan.

Immigrant mothers recommended the need for support from people in their social network (healthcare provider, husband, community and government), baby-friendly initiatives in hospital and community-based settings (breastfeeding counselling facilities, breastfeeding education before and after childbirth, and follow-up care), culturally-sensitive care (interpretation services and culturally appropriate food in hospitals), breastfeeding helplines (offering services in multiple languages), breastfeeding acceptance in a variety of public places (workplace, airports, restaurants, parks and public transportation), and investment in immigrant programs (maternal and child programs) to promote the well-being of immigrant mothers with young children.

Breastfeeding support in hospitals, public places, workplaces and society at large is essential to promote, protect and support the breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers in Saskatchewan, Canada. The role of healthcare professionals, family members, workplace supervisors and colleagues, policymakers, and governmental/non-governmental organizations is crucial in supporting the breastfeeding practices of immigrant mothers.