From Dyad to Triad: a Survey on Fathers’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Breastfeeding

Abstract

Background Maternal social support has a critical impact on breastfeeding outcomes. Fathers in particular are known to be especially influential. However, little is known about what they know and how they feel about breastfeeding. We aimed to explore paternal knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding and possible association with breastfeeding rates at discharge. Methods We enrolled fathers of healthy term neonates born at our hospital from March to May 2019. At discharge, a self-administered structured questionnaire was proposed to fathers. Fathers were required to rate their degree of agreement to 12 items on a 5-point Likert scale. A total score was obtained from their answers. Subjects’ basic characteristics and mode of feeding at discharge were collected. Results Fathers showed a generally solid knowledge of maternal (87%) and neonatal (98%) benefits of breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact (99.5%), rooming-in practice (79%) and responsive feeding (67.5%); conversely, only 51% of them knew about the recommended use of pacifiers. Fathers felt personally involved in their babies’ feeding in 79% of cases, regardless of type of feeding. A positive correlation was found between total score and exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge (p = 0.04, OR 1.07; 95%C.I 1.002–1.152). ROC analysis showed a trend toward statistical significance (AUC 0.58, p = 0.083, 95%C.I 0.485–0.683). Conclusions This study underlines the importance of including fathers in the promotion of breastfeeding, expanding the classic mother-baby dyad to a more modern mother-father-baby triad. This may ultimately impact breastfeeding outcomes, although further studies are needed to confirm our results.

Effect of IMB Model Combined with Spousal Support Breastfeeding Intervention on PBSES Score and Breastfeeding Rate of Primipara with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

“…Education during pregnancy can promote the rate of postpartum exclusive breastfeeding [15]. In addition, previous studies show that while the father cannot directly provide milk, but positive attitude, and practice in the whole process of breastfeeding support and emotional encouragement will directly affect the maternal breastfeeding selfefficacy and the higher maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, tending to the greater the chance of exclusive breastfeeding [16]. In this study, after intervention during pregnancy, PBSES and FBSES-SF scores were increased significantly than before intervention, and the scores of the subjects receiving the IMB model combined with spousal support intervention program were significantly higher than those of the traditional control group (all P < 0:05).…”

Exploring Successful Breastfeeding Behaviors Among Women Who Have High Body Mass Indices

“…Encouragement from partners also resulted in increased breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, as did assisting with breastfeeding difficulties and helping with household duties (Davidson & Ollerton, 2020; Ogbo et al, 2020). Previous researchers have highlighted that partners’ understand the benefits of breastfeeding and have empathy for their breastfeeding partner, but at times report feeling left out of the infant-feeding process (Crippa et al, 2021). Our findings confirm partners’ important role in supporting their breastfeeding partner’s capability by having access to knowledge in an inclusive manner that subsequently enables them to feel prepared to help with successful breastfeeding.…”

The role of breastfeeding promotion in German hospitals for exclusive breastfeeding duration

“…A lower social status decreased the odds of EBF, similar to factors like lack of breastfeeding intentions and experience. Fathers may play an additional role (Crippa et al, 2021). As peer support has been shown to be particularly effective for hard‐to‐reach groups (Sokol & Fisher, 2016), our results suggest that involving mothers with breastfeeding experience could complement professional assistance such as post‐discharge midwifery support.…”