Rady researchers receive more than $1 million toward breastfeeding initiatives
Researchers from the Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, have received more than $1.1 million in funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to improve breastfeeding support and maternal health.
This funding, part of the CIHR Operating Grant: National Women’s Health Research Initiative (NWHRI) Innovation Fund, will support two projects led Dr. Nathan Nickel and Dr. Garry Shen.
“This funding is vital for enhancing health-care services to address breastfeeding challenges new mothers may face wherever they live,” said Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. “These projects are not only advancing important research, but also helping to create more inclusive and culturally sensitive care.”
Nickel, director of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and associate professor of community health sciences, has received $597,960 over three years for his project, THRIVE: Transforming Healthcare through Research to Improve Breastfeeding and Advance Women’s Health.
Through this project, Nickel and his team are working to expand the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) to community health centres across Canada.
BFHI has been successful in improving breastfeeding support in hospitals; now Nickel’s team is exploring new ways to bring those breastfeeding-friendly practices to community health settings.
The project also includes a coaching and mentoring program to help health-care centres build on their progress, with the goal of increasing breastfeeding rates and improving long-term health outcomes for women.
“This funding will allow us to create a comprehensive support network for breastfeeding in community health centres. Adapting the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to these settings is key because it ensures that women who want to breastfeed get the support they need, no matter where they are receiving care,” said Nickel.
Shen, professor of internal medicine, has been awarded $600,000 over three years for his project, Protecting and Supporting Breastfeeding and Lactation Equity in Manitoba through Community-Integrated Education and Care Using Culturally Safe and Gender-Affirming Care.
This research focuses on addressing the gaps in access to breastfeeding support across Manitoba, particularly for First Nations families, 2SLGBTQI parents and other underrepresented groups.
Shen’s project, which also involves a support network, will include culturally respectful referral processes, a province-wide course on infant feeding and expanded peer support programs, like the Winnipeg-based Milk Mentors.
“By building a culturally competent and gender-inclusive network, we want to make sure that parents not only have access to the supports they need – especially in remote or underserved areas – but that the services are appropriate and affirming,” said Shen. “This is essential for the health of families throughout Manitoba.”