Examining the correspondence of breastfeeding and bottle‐feeding couples’ infant feeding attitudes

Abstract

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.

A study investigating infant and young child feeding practices in Foni Kansala district, western region, Gambia

“…This study found out that most of the women are not aware of the importance and benefits attached to the early initiation of breast feeding. The studies such as that of (Littman et al, 1994;Shepherd et al, 2000;Giugliani et al, 1994) found that inadequate maternal education and support for both partners significantly inhibit on successful breast feeding. It was found in this study that culture and economics greatly influence choice and decisions regarding infant and young child feeding in the District.…”

“…Mother's attitude towards infant feeding is associated with their parent's attitudes (Littman et al, 1994;Giugliani et al, 1994;Shepherd et al, 2000). Father's nonsupportive or negative behaviour towards breastfeeding discourage their female counterparts from attempting to initiate early breastfeeding (Shepherd et al, 2000). Mothers may also have negative attitudes or perceptions of breastfeeding, the bulk of which arise from media representation (Henderson, 1999), such as that it is inconvenient and embarrassing (Earle, 2000;Zimmerman and Guttmann, 2001).…”

“…Demographic factors such as older maternal age, higher level of maternal education, prim parity and family income are strongly associated with choice, initiation and duration of breastfeeding (Manan, 1995;Barnes et al, 1997;Smith et al, 2003;Casiday et al, 2004;Ergenekom-Ozelci et al, 2001;Foo et al, 2005). Mother's attitude towards infant feeding is associated with their parent's attitudes (Littman et al, 1994;Giugliani et al, 1994;Shepherd et al, 2000). Father's nonsupportive or negative behaviour towards breastfeeding discourage their female counterparts from attempting to initiate early breastfeeding (Shepherd et al, 2000).…”

The impact of knowledge and social influences on adolescents' breast-feeding beliefs and intentions

“…Interventions based on knowledge alone have a relatively poor impact 6,7 whereas those which are multi-component, accounting for psychosocial and cultural influences, are generally more successful 7 -9 . Many women decide to breast-feed pre-conception 9,10 , suggesting it may be useful to intervene early. Early intervention with adolescents may increase breast-feeding in younger women, who have lower initiation rates.…”

Apoio paterno ao aleitamento materno: uma revisão integrativa

“…Entretanto, sua participação na amamentação, até o momento, é permeada por dúvidas, preconceitos e até imposição (40) . Julgam serem capazes de apoiar apenas por meio de verbalizações positivas e não com ações e mostram-se preconceituosos em relação à exposição pública durante a amamentação (41) .…”