Fathers’ Experiences and Perspectives of Breastfeeding: A Scoping Review

Abstract

During the transition to parenthood, fathers may experience significant challenges, including finding a place for themselves as important participants in the context of infant breastfeeding by female partners. Although generally viewed as a healthy process and the preferred method of infant feeding, breastfeeding may result in some fathers feeling excluded, inadequate, and helpless. Breastfeeding is known to adversely affect various aspects of a father’s life, including parenting self-efficacy, quality of life (QOL), the relationship with the partner, and the perception that breastfeeding limits time available for father–infant bonding. The current scoping review explores the experiences, roles, and needs of fathers of breastfed infants by synthesizing and discussing the findings from relevant published research studies ( n = 18). Recommendations, drawn from the scoping review findings, are offered to guide primary health providers and services.

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

“…Two randomized controlled trials showed how educating fathers for the role of "breastfeeding coach" has positive effects on breastfeeding in terms of increased initiation rate, reduced worry about low milk supply, and reduced premature breastfeeding cessation [13,30]. Moreover, in a recent review, Sihota et al highlighted the need for comprehensive antenatal support and education tailored for fathers of breastfed infants [31]. Interestingly, some Authors have reported how fathers themselves want to know more about breastfeeding [13,31].…”

“…Moreover, in a recent review, Sihota et al highlighted the need for comprehensive antenatal support and education tailored for fathers of breastfed infants [31]. Interestingly, some Authors have reported how fathers themselves want to know more about breastfeeding [13,31]. The majority of fathers enrolled stated they had received su cient information either before their baby's birth or during the hospital stay or at discharge.…”

“…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].…”

“…Therefore, there appears to be an ever-growing need for father-focused interventions to teach fathers how to better help and support their partners, thus expanding the classic mother-baby dyad to include them as well, as part of the breastfeeding team [31,41].…”

Men’s education on planning and encouraging breastfeeding improves the mothers’ performance and exclusive breastfeeding: a randomized controlled trial

“…Father's participation in different reproductive stages including prenatal, parturition, postpartum and neonatal care were studied. One of the most important roles of fathers is their support of breastfeeding mothers (17,18). Fathers' participations demonstrated to be related with success and continuity of breastfeeding (19,20).…”