Shela Hirani

Dr. Shela Hirani is a distinguished Professor at the University of Regina's Faculty of Nursing, specializing in neonatal, maternal, and child health nursing. As an RN, lactation consultant, and IBCLC, she has earned global recognition including being named one of the 100 outstanding women nurses worldwide by WHO in 2020. She leads the Breastfeeding Advocacy Research Lab and serves on international boards including the Council of International Neonatal Nurses. Her work focuses on dismantling breastfeeding barriers for vulnerable populations worldwide.

Dr. Hirani's research program centers on breastfeeding advocacy in diverse care settings and health promotion for vulnerable and marginalized populations, particularly women and children affected by disaster and displacement. She employs various methodologies including scoping reviews, retrospective reviews, concept analysis, instrument development, critical ethnography, and quantitative research. Her work has led to significant changes in humanitarian aid practices, particularly regarding breastfeeding support during disasters instead of formula distribution.

Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on breastfeeding barriers for marginalized populations including refugee mothers, immigrant women, and incarcerated women. She examines intersections of breastfeeding with disaster response, housing insecurity, PTSD, cultural factors, and menstrual hygiene, primarily using qualitative methodologies and critical ethnography. Her work has influenced international policy, including WHO publications citing her research on breastfeeding in disaster settings.

• Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
• King Charles III Coronation Medal
• WXN Canada's Most Powerful Women Top 100 Award
• Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award
• YWCA Nutrien Women of Distinction Award
• WHO Recognition as one of 100 outstanding women nurses globally
• Sigma Nursing's Emerging Researcher Award

Dr. Hirani mentors undergraduate, advanced diploma, and master's students for clinical and community-based studies. She has secured significant research funding including SSHRC Insight Grants ($170,210), SHRF Innovation Grants ($50,000), and multiple Mitacs GRI fellowships. Her current projects include 'Role of Public Libraries in Supporting Integration of Refugee and Immigrant Families' and 'Improving Maternal-Child Care: Translating Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative into Reality in Saskatchewan.'

She leads the Breastfeeding Advocacy Research Lab and collaborates with international organizations including the Breastfeeding Committee of Canada and the Council of International Neonatal Nurses. Her work has resulted in breastfeeding-friendly policies at multiple Canadian universities and healthcare institutions, and she has developed educational materials including animated videos for culturally sensitive care of immigrant and refugee women.