‘They’re born to get breastfed’- how fathers view breastfeeding: a mixed method study

Abstract

BackgroundFathers’ attitudes and actions can positively or negatively affect mothers’ intentions to breastfeed, breastfeeding duration and exclusivity. In-depth information about fathers’ perspectives on breastfeeding are largely absent in the literature about infant feeding. The objective of this research was to investigate how fathers view breastfeeding.MethodsThis mixed method study recruited Tasmanian fathers with children < 24 months of age. Fathers completed a questionnaire and participated in either semi structured one-on-one or group interviews. Transcripts were analysed using a process of iterative thematic analysis.ResultsTwenty-six fathers participated in the study. They had a mean age of 34 years and just over half were first time fathers. A total of 13 fathers lived in areas classified by SEIFA as disadvantaged. Twenty-one reported they had decided as a couple to breastfeed their current child. Fathers’ views on breastfeeding are complex, multi-layered and change over time: as babies get older, as fathers get more familiar with feeding babies, when feeding practices change and when family circumstances change. Four thematic categories related to how fathers view breastfeeding were identified; Breastfeeding as healthy and natural, the value of breast feeding and breastmilk, a pragmatic approach to breastfeeding and Breastfeeding as something achieved or imposed.ConclusionFathers in our study valued breastfeeding and saw it as healthy and natural for babies. However, many of the fathers in our study had seen their partners struggle with breastfeeding. As a result some also viewed breastfeeding as a potentially harmful practice for mothers. Their accounts demonstrated that breastfeeding problems affect families, not just mothers and infants. There is scope for improvement in the care of women during and after birth to reduce breastfeeding problems and for fathers to learn more about breastfeeding prior to the birth of their child.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-018-1827-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

From Dyad To Triad: A Survey On Fathers’ Knowledge And Attitudes Toward Breastfeeding

“…A high percentage of fathers interviewed declared to be in favor of breastfeeding in public, a possible sign of the changing times. Breastfeeding in public is still a controversial issue [34]: several studies have reported how it is often perceived by men as uncomfortable, embarrassing and even distasteful [21,[35][36][37], showing a correlation with socio-economic status [36,37] and cultural background [31,38]. A signi cant push toward the rethinking of breastfeeding in public has been given by the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) [9].…”

The knowledge and attitude of father in breastfeeding: a questionnaire-based study

“…In spite of WHO recommendation and active promulgation regarding breastfeeding and numerous promotional initiatives, breast feeding practices leave much to be desired even in developed and advanced nations. The status in India is no better despite efforts of government and paediatricians lobbying [3,5,7,8].…”

“…Pediatric Review: International Journal of Pediatric Research Available online at: www.medresearch.in 455|P a g e Numerous studies suggest that breast feeding initiation, exclusivity, support, continuation and cessation are all strongly influenced by the father [5,6]. In pediatric nutrition significant gap between practices and current guidelines is notable only for breast-feeding and use of formula.…”

“…The participation and the support by father are essential and major predicting factor for interruption of breast feeding [5,7].…”

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

“…The more a father knows about breastfeeding benefits and management, the more he is likely to influence its initiation and continuation [13]. However, little is known about what fathers know and how they feel about breastfeeding and its determinants and facilitators [18].…”