Breastfeeding Self-efficacy among Newcomer Mothers of African Descent in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia
Date
2026-07
Authors
Oladipupo, Olayemi Deborah
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mount Saint Vincent University
Abstract
Immigrant women in Canada generally report high rates of breastfeeding initiation, with these rates declining with longer stay in Canada. Several factors have been identified as predictors of breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration, with Breastfeeding self-efficacy (BFSE) contributing significantly. There is however, limited research on factors that influence breastfeeding among immigrant women. Even less explored, is how BFSE is experienced, negotiated, and sustained among newcomer mothers of African descent (NCMAD), particularly within Atlantic Canada. This study explored the breastfeeding self-efficacy experiences of NCMAD living in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), as well as the structural factors that influence breastfeeding confidence among these mothers, within the context of migration and settlement. Guided by Dennis's Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Theory and the Socio-Ecological Model, this study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected through 10 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions involving seven newcomer mothers of African descent who had breastfed within the previous two years. Data were analysed using a hybrid deductive-inductive reflexive thematic analysis involving transcript familiarization, manual coding, and iterative theme development to identify patterns across participants' lived experiences. Findings indicate that BFSE was a dynamic, context-dependent process shaped by mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and emotional and physiological states. All participants initiated breastfeeding with strong prenatal intentions and high early confidence, largely influenced by culturally embedded beliefs that positioned breastfeeding as natural, expected, and central to maternal identity. Factors that strengthened BFSE included successful breastfeeding experiences, culturally transmitted breastfeeding knowledge, observational learning from family members and peers, emotional encouragement from partners and mothers, support from healthcare providers, adaptive coping strategies, and enabling structural conditions such as maternity leave. Traditional postpartum practices and intergenerational breastfeeding knowledge further reinforced confidence and breastfeeding continuation. In contrast, BFSE was challenged by migration-related disruptions in family support networks, breastfeeding difficulties, fatigue, emotional stress, return to work or school, caregiving demands, and limited access to culturally responsive support. Although most mothers aspired to practice exclusive and extended breastfeeding, continuation was influenced more by structural and environmental conditions, including return to work or school and reduced mother-infant proximity, rather than by low breastfeeding confidence alone. Overall, BFSE emerged as a multidimensional construct coproduced through individual experiences, interpersonal relationships, cultural influences, and broader social and policy environments. The findings highlight the need for culturally responsive breastfeeding support within healthcare and community settings, strengthened peer-support networks for newcomer mothers, and policies that facilitate breastfeeding continuation through flexible work and study arrangements, breastfeeding-friendly environments, and supports that promote mother-infant proximity. Nova Scotia Health, healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers should collaborate to develop inclusive breastfeeding interventions that recognize the influence of cultural, social, and structural factors on breastfeeding confidence. By centring the experiences of African newcomer mothers, this study contributes to addressing gaps in Canadian breastfeeding research and provides evidence to support equitable maternal and child health programming in Nova Scotia and other immigrant-receiving contexts