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Expectant Fathers' and Mothers' Perceptions of Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding: A Focus Group Study in Three US Cities
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to better understand how pregnant women and male partners conceptualize infant feeding and support for breastfeeding. Information was collected through 18 focus group interviews in 3 major US cities. There were 121 focus group participants of varying professions and income levels. Half were African American and half were Caucasian. Pregnant women and male partners had favorable attitudes toward breastfeeding, but did not articulate specific benefits to mothers or infants. Men expressed empathy for their partners' pregnancies and deferred to their partners' feeding decisions. Both groups disapproved of breastfeeding in public. Women voiced concerns about father-infant bonding more than men did. Both groups emphasized fathers' support of the infant, but not of the mother. Educators and practitioners may wish to consider expectant couples' perceptions of breastfeeding in public, knowledge of breastfeeding laws, and expectations of father-mother and father-infant relationships in their approach to breastfeeding promotion among expectant couples.
... These guidelines are primarily intended for low-income settings where there is a more immediate risk of infant malnutrition or morbidity, through unsafe drinking water, than HIV transmission. Conversely, across several High Income Countries (HIC), including the UK, where consistent access to formula and safe drinking water is presumed, birthing parents living with HIV are advised to formula feed their babies exclusively [2][3][4][5][6][7]. However, in recent years, the UK HIV and infant-feeding guidelines from the British HIV Association (BHIVA) have been amended to state that individuals who choose to breastfeed can be supported to do so, as long as they are virologically suppressed and consent to additional blood monitoring of both themselves and their babies [2]. ...
... HIV transmission). Existing research on the role of fathers' support in facilitating exclusive breastfeeding reveals mixed findings on fathers' enthusiasm or confidence in getting involved, even in countries where encouraging paternal involvement is part of national policy [3,13,40]. However, our data reveals that fathers (who were also partnered to the mother of their child) held an important and active role in the infant-feeding decision. ...
Background
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that women with HIV breastfeed for a minimum of one year. In contrast, United Kingdom (UK) guidelines encourage formula feeding, but breastfeeding can be supported under certain circumstances. Infant-feeding decisions often involve personal and social networks. Currently, little research addresses how individuals with HIV in high-income countries navigate infant-feeding decisions with the father of their children.
Methods
Semi-structured remote interviews were conducted with UK-based individuals with a confirmed HIV positive diagnosis who were pregnant or one-year postpartum, and two partners. Using purposive sampling, pregnant and postpartum participants were recruited through HIV NHS clinics and community-based organisations, and where possible, fathers were recruited via them. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and organised using NVivo 12.
Results
Of the 36 women interviewed, 28 were postpartum. The majority were of Black African descent (n = 22) and born outside the UK. The key factors in women navigating HIV and infant-feeding discussions with respect to their baby’s father were the latter’s: (1) awareness of woman’s HIV status; (2) relationship with the woman; (3) confidence in infant-feeding decision; (4) support and opinion about woman’s infant-feeding intentions. Most women made a joint decision with biological fathers when in a long-term (> one year) relationship with them. Single women tended not to discuss their infant-feeding decision with the father of their child, often for safety reasons.
Conclusion
Women in ongoing relationships with the father of their child valued their support and opinions regarding infant-feeding. In contrast, single women chose not to involve the father for reasons of privacy and safety. Clinical teams and community-based organisations should support mothers in discussing infant-feeding decisions regardless of relationship status. When appropriate, they should also support discussions with their partners, but remain sensitive to circumstances where this may put women at risk.
... 9 Many studies also show that fathers believe that breastfeeding is not their responsibility. [10][11][12][13][14] Fathers consider breastfeeding as a challenge for them and child caring issues are also thought as being outside of fathers' domains. 15 But from the last few decades, despite the old beliefs there is a change in the societal roles of parents, as now the mothers with young children have started working outside their homes and are becoming the bread winner for their families and fathers have been increasingly shown to be the contributors to the overall development and well-being of the child. ...
... Several studies conducted all over the world have reported that fathers' attitudes act as a strong predictor for the process of breastfeeding. 10,26,27 The present study revealed that 90% subjects 'strongly agreed' or 'agreed' with the statements that breastfeeding should be initiated by the mother within an hour of the infant's birth, and breast milk is the best and only food given to infants for the first six months of life. It was also seen that more than half of the subjects (55%) 'strongly agreed' or 'agreed' with the statement that prelacteals should not be fed to infants. ...
Father’s role is as important as a mother’s in the early years of life to ensure optimum growth and development of the baby. But in most societies, it is often linked with just earning money for the child and the entire family. The present study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude and involvement of first-time fathers in infant and young child feeding and care practices, and their relationship with each other. The influence of select personal and family factors of the fathers was also studied on these aspects. A total of 60 first-time fathers having only one child in the age group of 6 months to 3 years residing in the National Capital Region of India constituted the study sample. A questionnaire schedule was administered to gather information on general and family characteristics, child’s profile, and knowledge, attitudes and involvement of the fathers in infant and young child feeding and care practices. Findings revealed that the total knowledge scores of maximum fathers (43%) were ‘average’. Nearly 60% and 38% fathers respectively had ‘very good’ and ‘good’ total attitude scores. High percentage of fathers had ‘good’ (43%) and ‘very good’ (30%) total involvement scores related to their infant/young child feeding and care practices. A weak but significant positive correlation was found only between knowledge and involvement scores of the fathers (r=0.277, p<0.05). Attitude scores of the fathers were found to be influenced by their occupation while their involvement scores were influenced by their age, and monthly family income. The study indicated that even though the knowledge of the first-time fathers regarding infant and young child feeding practices was average, their attitude regarding these aspects was good, and they also showed a good involvement in these practices. The existing knowledge gaps need to be catered to through suitable timely interventions in order to ensure that fathers can also proactively contribute towards the feeding and care of their infants and young children.
... Assessing self-efficacy impacts goal-setting, effort, and perseverance, influencing emotional resilience and responses to challenges [9]. Effective breastfeeding, considered a learned skill, necessitates a strong sense of self-assurance [10]. Postnatal support is crucial in boosting maternal self-confidence and facilitating breastfeeding [11]. ...
Background: the objective of this longitudinal study (from pregnancy to the end of the sixth month postpartum) is to elucidate the association between maternal self-efficacy, defined as a mother’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed, and breastfeeding outcomes. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted among high-risk pregnant women (including those with conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and other pathological medical conditions) and normal-risk pregnant women in Greece. The high-risk group included 164 women, while the normal-risk group comprised 154 women. Data were collected using validated psychometric scales, including the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, and Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale. Results: Higher maternal self-efficacy was significantly associated with a longer duration and greater exclusivity of breastfeeding. A statistically significant relationship between the type of breastfeeding and the degree of breastfeeding self-efficacy was observed at multiple postpartum milestones: in the first and third 24 h postpartum, and at the end of the sixth week, third month, and sixth month postpartum. Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical role of maternal self-efficacy in breastfeeding success, influenced by individual psychological factors and broader socio-cultural contexts. Strengthening maternal self-efficacy is essential for improving breastfeeding outcomes.
... 29,30 This study conceptualized the challenges as sociodemographic, maternal characteristics, contextual factors, and physical challenges. Demographic factors include the characteristics of a person or population, 31 sociodemographic characteristics include age, education, occupation, and income, 32 maternal factors include knowledge, attitude, and perception, 33 contextual factors such as type of delivery, the place of delivery, and counseling, 24 and physical challenges include the perceived rejection of breastmilk, milk supplies, and latching and painful nipples 34 are included in this study. ...
Background and Aims
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has been demonstrated to have positive effects on a child's survival, growth, and development, as well as a mother's health and well‐being. The authors aim to examine the barriers to EBF among lactating mothers in Borama town, Somaliland, with infants aged <6 months.
Methods
The authors collected primary data on a sample of 153 lactating mothers in Borama town, Somaliland, for this study. This study used descriptive statistics with frequencies and percentages. Moreover, the multivariable logistic regression model is applied to analyze the data.
Results
Findings revealed that about 28.1% of mothers pointed out that breastfeeding should be the baby's first meal. Surprisingly, 69.3% of the women were unaware that 6 months of EBF may keep a baby healthy. Results depict that EBF was influenced by lack of education (AOR: 0.013; 95% Cl: 0.001, 0.124), marital status (AOR: 0.40; 95% Cl: 0.004, 0.427), employed mothers (AOR: 0.070; 95% Cl: 0.043, 0.94), mothers perception of milk quantity (AOR: 0.033; 95% Cl: 0.001, 0.124), and perceived rejection to breastfeeding by the baby (AOR: 0.043; 95% Cl: 0.021, 0.134). Mothers who had no formal education or a primary level of education have less chance of practicing EBF than higher‐educated mothers.
Conclusions
It is observed that the educational level of mothers, marital status (widow), employed mother, perceived insufficient milk, and the perceived rejection of breastfeeding by the baby are the major challenges for enhancing the EBF practice. The authors suggested that the Ministry of Health examine how effectively breastfeeding counseling is implemented in medical facilities. Moreover, the authors suggest that the government, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and community associations collaboratively plan and carry out suitable programs focusing on vulnerable groups.
... In addition, it is stated that mothers' breastfeeding attitudes are related to the attitudes of their spouses [10][11][12] . While it is stated in the literature that fathers' effects on mothers' decision to breastfeed and breastfeeding attitudes [10][11][12][13] and fathers' participation in the breastfeeding process are important for breastfeeding success 14 , there is no scale that evaluates fathers' attitudes toward breastfeeding and father participation in the breastfeeding process together. Filling this gap in the literature will also make an important contribution to midwives, nurses, and other health professionals who take an active role in breastfeeding counseling. ...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the validity, structure, and reliability of a Turkish version of the Fathers’ Breastfeeding Attitude and Participation Scale. The Fathers’ Breastfeeding Attitude and Participation Scale consists of two parts, namely, Fathers’ Breastfeeding Attitude and Fathers’ Participation in Breastfeeding Process. Totally, the scale consists of 28 items, of which 14 items belong to Fathers’ Breastfeeding Attitude and 14 items belong to Fathers’ Participation in Breastfeeding Process. There is no report of a validity and reliability study in the original scale. Currently, there is no validated and reliable scale to assess Fathers’ Breastfeeding Attitudes and Involvement in Turkish literature and other languages. In this context, the psychometric properties of the Fathers’ Breastfeeding Attitudes and Involvement Scale were examined.
METHODS
The instruments were translated and adapted according to the WHO guidelines.
RESULTS
The Turkish version of the Fathers’ Breastfeeding Attitude and Participation Scale demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability.
CONCLUSION
The use of the validated instrument to examine fathers’ breastfeeding attitudes and participation in the breastfeeding process will provide data to guide as it is a determinant of breastfeeding behavior.
... This explains why the infant's energy, vitamin, mineral, and protein requirements are higher per unit of body weight (9) . Breastfeeding, a number of reviews have concluded that exclusive breastfeeding for a period of at least six months is associated with a reduced level of obesity later in childhood (10). Many parents will choose to bottle-feed their babies. ...
Objective: The study aim is to identify factors that may contribute to children’s weight status variations. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study is carried out has been conducted at the AL- Samawah city in Primary Health Care Centers for the purpose of the screening children’s weight status of Age One to five Years Old. This study is started from December 16th 2018 to February 14th 2019. A(non propriety) purposive sample comprised of (20) primary health centers (10 main and 10 sub) are selected of 500 children who visit the primary health care center during the period for the purpose of the study; Data was collected through using a questionnaire designed and developed for the purpose of the study . It consists of two main parts: Part I. Mother Demographic Characteristics, Medical and Surgical History during Pregnancy, Obstetric History and Mothers Nutrition during Pregnancy and Lactation. . Part II: Childes Demographic Characteristics, Medical and Surgical History, Immunization, and Child Nutrition. Data collected by the researcher from children’s families through interview and filling a questionnaire format, while the section of anthropometric measurements carried out by the researcher after measuring weight and height doing Body Mass Index calculation Validity of the study instrument was determined through a panel of experts and reliability of the instrument was determined. The analysis of the data used was descriptive statistics and statistical inferential. Recommendations: The ministry of health can develop and implement effective strategies for the detection and treatment of malnutrition among children.
... It can also be attributed to eMTCT approach of couple counseling, further high eMTCT knowledge enhances better breastfeeding practices because of the perceived benefits of continuous breastfeeding when the mother is still adhering to her ARVs. This finding is consistent with study in eastern Uganda where fathers that were more knowledgeable on breastfeeding HIV in context were more likely to support breastfeeding by HIV+ mother [22]. Age of the child was inversely associated with fathers' involvement and significant for age between 18-24 months. ...
... Socio-demographic characteristics include, age, education, occupation, and income [22]. Maternal factors include knowledge, attitude, and perception [1]. Contextual factors include place of delivery, mode of delivery and counseling [5]. ...
ABSTRACT
The health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding on survival, growth and development of a child as well as health and well-being of a mother are well documented. The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are among organizations promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. The study aimed to investigate the challenges influencing exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers with infants aged 6 months and below in Borama town. Breastfeeding is the process of feeding an infant or young child with breast milk directly from female human breast rather than using infant formula. In 2006, an estimated 9.5 million children died before their fifth birthday, and two thirds of these deaths occurred in the first year of life. In Sub Saharan Africa, the overall prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding is 33%. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding of 18%, highest in East Asia Pacific at 22% and lowest in West/central Africa at 15%. The prevalence is 32% in Kenya, 25% in Uganda, and 23% Ethiopia and Djibouti. In Somaliland the rate of exclusive breastfeeding is 12.8% and 10% in Borama District. Yet despite the effort, the exclusive breastfeeding on lactating mothers has not been investigated. Determinants of sociodemographic factors, maternal factors, contextual factors and physical challenges on exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers with infants aged 6 months and below remained not examined. Guided by the theory of planned behavior and using cross-sectional survey design, the study investigated challenges influencing exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers with infants aged 6 months and below in Borama Town. This study used stratified, simple random and purposive sampling methods; on sample of 152 lactating mothers in Borama town on March 2019. The study found that sociodemographic factors [OR = 0.519, confidence interval 0.387 – .697, p = 0.000] and physical challenges [OR = 0.777, confidence interval 0. 672 – 0. 898, p = 0. 001] had significant influence on lactating mothers with infants aged 6 months and below in Borama Town. The study also found that maternal factors [OR = 0.906, confidence interval 0. 647 – 1.268, p = 0.566.] and contextual factors [OR = 0.741, confidence interval 0. 484 – 1.134, p = 0.164] had insignificant influence on lactating mothers with infants aged 6 months and below in Borama Town. The study concluded that sociodemographic factors and physical challenges decreases exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers with infants aged 6 months and below in Borama Town. The study concluded that that effort to improve exclusive breastfeeding should focus on all levels of education, all economic and social status. The study also recommended that Ministry of Health should review the efficiency of the implementation of breastfeeding counseling in the health facilities. From this study a large percentage of mothers receive breast feeding information from the health facility.
Background: Past research evidence has shown that breastfeeding has significant benefits with regard to cognitive development. However, emerging evidence has shown how breastfeeding may lead to equally beneficial outcomes with regard to cognitive development. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the relevant evidence. Aims: The aim of this systematic review was to compare the impact of breastfeeding and formula feeding on cognitive development by analyzing prospective cohort studies. Methods: This research conducted a thorough search of several databases such as AMED, PUBMED in addition to British Nursing Index and CINAHL. The goal was to utilize all sources of information with regard to identification of prospective studies. The search was limited to articles published between 2000 and 2016, resulting in a total of 15 studies, including 10 quantitative and 5 qualitative studies, that were deemed relevant for review. To ensure that the studies selected for review were of high quality and free from biases, two critical appraisal tools were used. The first tool, the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP), is a widely recognized tool for evaluating the quality and rigor of qualitative and quantitative research studies. The second tool, the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies developed by the Effective Public Health Project (EPHPP), is specifically designed to assess the quality of quantitative studies. Results: The review findings revealed that breastfeeding may provide cognitive advantages to children when compared to formula feeding. However, it is pertinent to note how these results are often confounding by factors such as socioeconomic status, parental education etc. Consequently, when evaluating the effects of breastfeeding and formula feeding on cognitive development, it is necessary to consider the role of environmental, biological, social, and cultural factors. Conclusion: Overall, this review underscores the need for further research to better understand the complex relationships between breastfeeding, formula feeding, and cognitive development and to help inform public health policies and interventions aimed at promoting optimal cognitive development in children. Keywords: breast feeding, formula feeding, cognitive development, CASP, Medline, EMBASE
Ein Bedeutungswandel in der Perspektive auf Elternschaft hält Einzug in feministische Auseinandersetzungen und Kämpfe.
Elternschaft: Eine ausgesparte Perspektive in der feministischen Auseinandersetzung? Lange Zeit beschäftigten sich feministische Debatten kaum mit Elternschaft und Familie. Der bis in die Gegenwart hinein tonangebende Gleichheitsfeminismus orientiert sich an der Gleichheit mit Männern – ungebunden und durch Frauen von Fürsorge befreit. Durch feministische Kämpfe sollte Autonomie und Selbstbestimmung auch für Frauen erstritten werden. Da die Sorge um ein abhängiges Kind der mütterlichen Selbstbestimmung Grenzen setzt, war sie in den feministischen Debatten lange Zeit Gegenstand der Abgrenzung. Zeiten ändern sich! Ein Bedeutungswandel in der Perspektive auf Elternschaft hält Einzug in feministische Auseinandersetzungen und Kämpfe. Nicht länger richten sie sich gegen die Familie, sondern gegen Verhältnisse, in denen das Leben mit Kindern zur Zumutung wird. In der Familie Feminismus leben – eine neue Devise und Herausforderung. Lust auf Bindung, Freiheit durch Angewiesenheit, Macht durch Mutterschaft – auch für Freundinnen und Väter. Damit sind Feminismus, Familie und Elternschaft in dieser Kombination ein neuer Untersuchungsgegenstand.
Introduction of solid foods before the recommended age of 4-6 months is a common practice in the USA, and appears to be especially prevalent among infants who are enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Currently, little is known about how fathers influence early infant feeding decisions, outside the decision to breast- or formula-feed. The purpose of the current study was to explore how fathers perceive the role they play in feeding and caring for their infants.
Participants were twenty-one male caregivers, who were fathers or partners of the mothers of WIC income-eligible infants residing in two rural East Tennessee counties. In-depth, audio-taped telephone interviews were completed. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed according to standard grounded theory procedures to identify emergent concepts. These concepts were explored and linked together to become themes.
Three themes emerged: (i) fathers' roles; (ii) fathers' perceptions; and (iii) control. Concepts within the theme of fathers' roles included physical and emotional support for both mother and infant, validation of maternal decisions, and financial support. In the present study, fathers' perceptions were primarily shaped by their own experiences, advice from those with experience, and information sought by the fathers. The theme of control appears to be the linkage between the fathers' attempts to modify infant behaviour and infants' response.
A final conceptual model was created to explain the interrelated nature of the themes and may be helpful to those who work with fathers and/or families of new infants.
A cross-sectional study compared 100 breastfeeding and 100 non-breastfeeding new mothers in order to investigate the relationship between mothers' choice of breastfeeding and support from health professionals and lay people, taking into account potentially confounding sociodemographic influences. The importance of the male partners' opinion about breastfeeding was also examined. A favorable attitude of partners towards breastfeeding was the most important factor associated with breastfeeding (odds ratio = 32.8). Prenatal class attendance and breastfeeding support from lay people increased the odds of breastfeeding 2.7 and 3.3 times, respectively. Breastfeeding orientation provided by doctors, nurses, and nutritionists was not associated with the maternal decision to breastfeed. The results point toward the need for reevaluation of prenatal care interventions, inclusion of fathers in breastfeeding educational programs, and emphasis on community-based programs.
The early introduction of semi-solids and non-milk liquids among African-American infants has been well documented. Several studies report the addition of semi-solids as early as 1-2 weeks of age. This study investigated, through ethnographic, repeat depth interviews with teen mothers and grandmothers of infants, the determinants of such feeding practices and the inter-generational factors involved in infant feeding decision-making. Nineteen adolescent mothers were recruited from Baltimore City WIC programs. The teen mothers were interviewed in their homes during four separate visits and the grandmothers twice. Ethnographic field guides focused on questions about what, why, and how infants were fed, and on the "ethnotheories" of parenting and infant care in this population. All interviews were taped and transcripts were analyzed using text retrieval software. Results confirmed that it is the cultural norm to feed cereal in the bottle and to feed other semi-solid foods within the first month of life. All but two of the grandmothers played the dominant role in deciding what the infant should eat and the timing of the introduction of solids. This pattern occurred both because grandmothers had extensive physical access to their grandchildren and because of the teen mother's dependence upon the grandmother. The use of qualitative research methods, with a multigenerational focus, provides a rich description of the context within which infant feeding decisions are made.
Although breastfeeding may be the best form of infant nutrition and be an important practice for mother and infant, it may be perceived as negative by the father and thus inhibit the development of the father-infant relationship. This study provides a summary of data from a longitudinal study of the male experience of expectant and new parenthood, and a summary of the literature on breastfeeding and fathers. Fathers' concerns about breastfeeding included the lack of opportunity to develop a relationship with their child, feeling inadequate, and being separated from their mate by the baby. The professional literature fails adequately to represent the negative aspects of breastfeeding for fathers. The parents' literature contains one father's candid and humorous account that caregivers might use, together with other techniques, to make parents aware of these aspects.
Examining the correspondence of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding couples’ infant feeding attitudes
This report focuses on the comparison of infant feeding attitudes within breastfeeding (n = 126) and bottle-feeding (n = 101) couples and their socio-demographic details. The findings from this study reinforce the view that socio-demographic factors are associated with the mothers’ choice of feeding method. However, this study highlights the influence of maternal and of paternal knowledge and attitudes which distinguish between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding couples. Fathers of bottle-feeding babies were found to have limited knowledge of health benefits of breastfeeding to both mothers and infants. However, bottle-feeding mothers, when compared with their partners, were more supportive towards bottle feeding and less negative towards breastfeeding. Fathers of breastfeeding babies, compared with their partners were found to be less aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. Furthermore, breastfeeding mothers when compared with their partners were more supportive towards breastfeeding. Fathers of both bottle and breast feeding babies were also found to be more embarrassed than their partners about mothers in general breastfeeding in front of nonfamily members. It seems that bottle-feeding mothers and all fathers could be better prepared in many aspects of breastfeeding by the nursing professions to allay the many misconceptions and the social embarrassment associated with breastfeeding, by providing appropriate information and support.
Using grounded theory as an example, this paper examines three methodological questions that are generally applicable to all qualitative methods. How should the usual scientific canons be reinterpreted for qualitative research? How should researchers report the procedures and canons used in their research? What evaluative criteria should be used in judging the research products? We propose that the criteria should be adapted to fit the procedures of the method. We demonstrate how this can be done for grounded theory and suggest criteria for evaluating studies following this approach. We argue that other qualitative researchers might be similarly specific about their procedures and evaluative criteria.
Fathers participate in choosing the feeding method for their newborns. However they traditionally have not been included in most breast-feeding education programs. To examine expectant fathers' attitudes and knowledge regarding breast-feeding, we surveyed 268 men during the first session of their childbirth education classes at five private hospitals in Houston, Texas. The study population was 81% white, 8% black, and 6% hispanic. Ninety-seven percent (n = 259) of the total were married. Fifty-eight percent (n = 156) reported that their spouses planned to breast-feed exclusively; several significant differences existed between these men and those who reported plans for exclusive formula feeding. The breast-feeding group was more likely to believe breast-feeding is better for the baby (96% vs 62%; P less than .0001), helps with infant bonding (92% vs 53%; P less than .0001), and protects the infant from disease (79% vs 47% P less than .001). The breast-feeding group was also more likely to want their partner to breast-feed (90% vs 13%; P less than .0001) and to have respect for breast-feeding women (57% vs 16%; P less than .0001). Conversely, those in the formula feeding group were more likely to think breast-feeding is bad for breasts (52% vs 22%; P less than .01), makes breasts ugly (44% vs 23%; P less than .05), and interferes with sex (72% vs 24%; P less than .0001). The majority of both groups indicated breast-feeding was not acceptable in public (breast-feeding = 71%, formula feeding = 78%, P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Breast-feeding plays a well-recognized role in lowering infant morbidity and mortality during the first year of life. Previous research has demonstrated that fathers contribute to the decision of which infant feeding method will be used, and can be effective promoters of breast-feeding. A woman's decision to breast-feed her infant may rest on her assumptions of the father's attitude regarding this feeding method. As the perception of a negative paternal attitude toward breast-feeding may discourage some women from breast-feeding, this study was designed to determine whether a mother can accurately predict the father's attitude on this subject.
Subjects were 268 pairs of expectant mothers and fathers enrolled in childbirth preparation classes at five private hospitals in Houston, Texas. Participants individually completed pretested surveys assessing their attitudes regarding breast-feeding. Mothers' surveys additionally assessed their partner's attitudes toward breast-feeding.
More mothers than fathers reported exclusive breast-feeding as their preferred feeding plan (69% vs 58%), whereas only 54% of partners both responded they preferred breast-feeding. Overall, fathers had more favorable attitudes toward breast-feeding than their partners predicted, but large numbers of fathers harbored misconceptions and negative attitudes toward breast-feeding. Mothers' predictions were little more accurate than random guessing in predicting their partner's response (range: 56% to 83%).
A mother's perception of her partner's attitudes toward breast-feeding influences her choice of infant feeding method. If she perceives that the father has a negative attitude about breast-feeding, she will probably not choose this method. Additional efforts to dispel misconceptions about breast-feeding should be made during childbirth preparation classes and prenatal visits.
To examine husbands' experiences of having their wives breastfeed.
Qualitative method of grounded theory.
In-depth interviews by phone at home.
Fourteen middle-class, urban, Canadian fathers of successfully breastfed infants.
The fathers reported a disparity in the types of relationships that their children had with each of their parents as a result of breastfeeding. The process that enabled the fathers to accept this perceived difference was labeled postponing. Four fathering styles, which explain the variation in postponing, were found. The phases of postponing include becoming aware of the disparity, simultaneously developing accepting strategies and acknowledging reinforcing factors, and, finally, developing compensating behaviors to increase the fathers' interactions with their infants and promote closer relationships. When weaning occurred, the fathers' relationships with their children changed as the fathers found ways to catch up.
A need exists for realistic education about the realities of breastfeeding for fathers. More outlets for fathers' negative emotions toward breastfeeding need to be found.
Research on breastfeeding support has consistently identified fathers as an important source of support in the decision to breastfeed and in its implementation. The literature indicates that fathers influence four aspects in particular: the breastfeeding decision, assistance at first feeding, duration of breastfeeding, and risk factors for bottle feeding. Research which focuses on fathers has added to our understanding of their attitudes, knowledge, and coping techniques regarding breastfeeding. This paper reviews the research findings in each of these areas, and offers suggestions for further research.