Complex young lives: a collective qualitative case study analysis of young fatherhood and breastfeeding

Abstract

BackgroundOf all births in Australia, 10 % are to young fathers aged less than 24 years. How young fathers experience any breastfeeding and how this is shaped by their social context is poorly understood. Our aim is to increase understanding of the lived experience of young fathers (aged less than 24 years) and to explore the way they speak about breastfeeding in the context of their lives and parenting.MethodsThis collective case study analysis uses qualitative data from interviews and focus groups with young fathers (aged less than 24 years) and community support staff. The research was undertaken in Tasmania, Australia, March to December 2013.ResultsYoung fathers in our study had complex social and emotional circumstances that meant breastfeeding was not a high priority despite them valuing the health benefits of breastfeeding for their babies. If supported by peers and their community they appear to have a more positive parenting experience.ConclusionBreastfeeding although understood by the young fathers in our study as healthy and desirable is not a priority in their lives. Learning to be a parent and support their partners to breastfeed may be more effectively gained through mentoring and father-to-father localized community based support services.

Fathers’ Experiences and Perspectives of Breastfeeding: A Scoping Review

“…In over half of the studies ( n = 12), fathers generally viewed breastfeeding as optimal for their child’s nutrition and some described it as healthy, natural, pure, and/or essential (Hansen et al, 2018; Rempel & Rempel, 2011; Sherriff et al, 2009; Sherriff & Hall, 2011). Other perceived advantages to breastfeeding included convenience (Ayton & Hansen, 2016; Bennett et al, 2016; Brown & Davies, 2014; Hansen et al, 2018), low cost (Brown & Davies, 2014; Datta et al., 2012; Hansen et al, 2018), freedom from night feedings (Bennett et al, 2016; Hounsome & Dowling, 2018; Rempel & Rempel, 2011), and health benefits for the child (Bennett et al, 2016; Brown & Davies, 2014; Datta et al., 2012; Mithani et al, 2015; Rempel & Rempel, 2011) and for the breastfeeding partner (Bennett et al, 2016; Datta et al, 2012).…”

“…Early bonding with their infant was often a primary goal for new fathers (deMontigny, Larivière-Bastien, Gervais, St-Arneault, Dubeau, & Devault, 2018); however, some participants also described breastfeeding as a hindrance that delayed or affected the creation of this bond (Bennett et al, 2016; deMontigny, Larivière-Bastien, Gervais, St-Arneault, Dubeau, & Devault, 2018). This perceived lack or delay of bonding time led some fathers to experience feelings of being “left out” (Ayton & Hansen, 2016; Brown & Davies, 2014; Mitchell-Box & Braun, 2012; Tohotoa et al, 2009) and jealousy or envy over the mother–infant bond (Bennett et al, 2016; de Montigny, Larivière-Bastien, Gervais, St-Arneault, Dubeau, & Devault, 2018; Rempel & Rempel, 2011). Breastfeeding also appeared to adversely affect some fathers’ self-efficacy.…”

“…Many of the men in these studies sought guidance from HCPs, breastfeeding literature, antenatal support groups, father–father mentorship groups, the Internet, and other modes of technology. With reference to support provided by HCPs, some fathers felt inundated with information (Ayton & Hansen, 2016) that was often conflicting (Banks et al, 2013), whereas others were disappointed with the lack of programming and supports specifically tailored for them (Banks et al, 2013; Bennett et al, 2016; Tohotoa et al, 2009). Few fathers reported receiving information directly from HCPs and most indicated that information had been passed to them through their partner in the form of pamphlets or perhaps did not reach them at all (Brown & Davies, 2014).…”

“…A number of fathers highlighted that access to these services was often limited especially when organized groups occurred during working hours (Sherriff et al, 2009; Sherriff & Hall, 2011). In several studies, fathers who did attend programs felt these services were generally targeted toward mothers (Ayton & Hansen, 2016; Mithani et al, 2015; Tohotoa et al, 2009) and reported feeling alienated and dismissed by HCPs, as though their role was tokenistic and/or delinked from breastfeeding (Brown & Davies, 2014). In one study fathers reported feeling patronized when communicating with HCPs, for example, by the demeaning suggestion that they needed to be convinced that breastfeeding was worthwhile by thinking about the personal benefits (Brown & Davies, 2014,), such as their partner gaining breast size or not having to participate in night feedings (Brown & Davies, 2014).…”

“…Social connectedness through father-to-father mentorship was viewed as an important resource that helped provide reassurance to men in breastfeeding families (Ayton & Hansen, 2016; Brown & Davies, 2014). Fathers participating in a mixed-methods study in the United Kingdom (Brown & Davies, 2014) placed value on mentorship and learning about breastfeeding from more experienced fathers, particularly how to support their partners in the breastfeeding process (Brown & Davies, 2014).…”