Choice or circumstance? An exploration of breastfeeding practice among obese, low income, food insecure Nova Scotian mothers

Obesity is a major public health concern and improving breastfeeding behaviour is a recommended strategy to support obesity prevention in the population. Low breastfeeding rates are of concern in Nova Scotia, particularly among mothers from nutritionally vulnerable (food insecure) households. High poverty may partially account for Nova Scotia's low breastfeeding rates but maternal obesity (a possible issue among food insecure mothers) is on the rise in Nova Scotia and being obese can also affect one's ability to successfully breastfeed. We know little about the experience of breastfeeding from the perspectives of obese women and more specifically, obese women who are also low income and food insecure. By exploring breastfeeding practice among women sharing these multiple realities, this research will fill a critical void in our understanding of how we might improve breastfeeding in this demographic. This research aligns with both national and regional research priorities on obesity and the social determinants of health, as well as supporting Canada's recent reaffirmation of improving maternal and child health across the globe - of which improving (exclusive) breastfeeding behaviour among all mothers is a priority.