Dr Shela Hirani
PhD, MScN, BScN, RN, IBCLC
Associate Professor, Lactation Consultant & Founding Director of Breastfeeding Advocacy Research Lab
Dr. Shela Hirani is an esteemed Professor at the University of Regina, Canada, and an expert in neonatal, maternal, and child health nursing. As a dedicated researcher, lactation consultant, and advocate for baby-friendly initiatives, she tirelessly promotes breastfeeding for vulnerable women and young children. Her remarkable contributions earned her recognition from the World Health Organization as one of the 100 outstanding women nurses globally in 2020. With over 50 accolades to her name, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, WXN Canada's Most Powerful Women Top 100 Award, the Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award, and the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, Dr. Hirani continues to champion breastfeeding advocacy in Canada and beyond. She is an elected board member of reputable international, national, and provincial organizations. She is serving as an editorial board member of the reputable global health journals. Dr Hirani is committed to providing quality mentorship to the next generation of leaders in breastfeeding advocacy.
The Vision of Dr Shela Hirani's
Breastfeeding Advocacy Research Lab
Dismantle Breastfeeding Barriers in Diverse Care Settings
Promote the Health and Well-being of Mothers and Young Children through
Innovative Interventions Supporting Breastfeeding
Achieve Sustainable Development Goals by Promoting, Protecting and
Supporting Breastfeeding
Closing Gaps in Maternal-Child Care through Breastfeeding Support for All
Program of Research
Breastfeeding Advocacy Research: Program, Practices and Policies (BARPPP) aims to improve the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding which is an ideal nutrition for babies during early years.
Using the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accommodation (DEIA) approach, the key goal of BARPPP is to advocate for breastfeeding in diverse care settings, including disaster zones, healthcare settings, workplaces, and public spaces like shopping malls, restaurants, parks and public transits.
Impact of Breastfeeding Advocacy Research Lab
Creation of Safe Spaces for breastfeeding mothers
Baby-friendly initiatives in diverse care settings
Development and dissemination of over 60 evidence-based
breastfeeding knowledge resources offering informational support
Implementation of culturally sensitive breastfeeding care and trauma-informed interventions for migrant mothers
Capacity Building of over 5000 service providers and the
next generation of health professionals
Supportive breastfeeding policies and practices for mothers affected by disaster and displacement
SPOTLIGHT
The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal from the Government of Saskatchewan, Canada
Sigma Nursing's Emerging Nurse Researcher/Scholar Award 2020
YWCA Women of Distinction Award 2022 [Category: Research, Science, & Technology]
Saskatchewan Multicultural
Leadership Award 2022 from the
Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan
WXN Canada's Most Powerful Women Top 100Award 2024
[Category: Community Impact]
During the International Year of the Nurse 2020, Dr Shela Hirani was recognized by the World Health Organization as Top 100 Women Nurse Leaders Around the World [Category: Community Hero]
Dr Shela Hirani's efforts for Multiculturalism were acknowledged in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, Canada [November 21, 2022]
Media Appearances
Publications
Supporters of Breastfeeding Advocacy Research Lab
