From dyad to triad: a survey on fathers’ knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding

Abstract

Fathers are known to impact breastfeeding outcomes. We aimed to explore paternal knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding, and possible association with breastfeeding rates at discharge. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 200 fathers of healthy term neonates. At discharge, fathers were asked to rate their degree of agreement to 12 items on a 5-point Likert scale. A total score was obtained from their answers. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to verify if the total score was predictive of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model was then used to adjust for possible confounders. ROC analysis was performed, and a Youden’s total score cut-off value was determined to define total score’s performance in predicting exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. Fathers showed a solid knowledge of maternal (87%) and neonatal (98%) benefits of breastfeeding, skin-to-skin (99.5%), rooming-in (79%), and responsive feeding (67.5%); conversely, only 51% knew about the recommended use of pacifiers. Fathers felt personally involved in babies’ feeding in 79% of cases. An association was found between total score and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge at univariate (OR: 1.07, p = 0.04) but not at multivariable analysis (OR: 1.07, p = 0.067). ROC analysis was not statistically significant (AUC 0.58, p = 0.083).Conclusion: By using a novel instrument aimed at quantifying fathers’ knowledge and overall attitude toward breastfeeding, 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 may impact breastfeeding outcomes at discharge. What is known:• Social support plays a major role in improving breastfeeding outcomes.• Fathers may greatly influence initiation and duration of breastfeeding; the more they know, the more helpful they can be.What is new:• A multidisciplinary team created a structured questionnaire aimed at quantifying fathers’ knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding.• The association between a higher questionnaire total score and exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge highlights the importance of including fathers in the promotion of breastfeeding, as part of the breastfeeding team.

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 self-efficacy 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).…”

Educating fathers to improve exclusive breastfeeding practices: a randomized controlled trial

“…Therefore, it could be concluded that fathers’ education with mothers about breastfeeding was effective on mothers’ practice. It is suggested that the replacement of maternal-paternal-neonatal services instead of the classic providing of the maternal-neonatal services may lead to better outcomes in breastfeeding promotion [ 23 ].…”

“…A qualitative study demonstrated that men are willing to help in maternal-fetal -neonatal care and breastfeeding, but they need knowledge and the appropriate perinatal education [ 22 ]. The association between fathers’ knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding highlights the importance of including fathers in the interventions for promoting breastfeeding [ 23 ]. In addition, it is found egalitarian attitudes towards parenthood were positively associated with both attitudes towards breastfeeding and levels of paternal involvement.…”

Effects of a WeChat Mini-Program on Human Milk Feeding Rates in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This lactation education model applies the “ecological momentary assessment” method, which allows for subtle measurements of human behaviors and real-time interventions while minimizing recall bias ( 25 ). The first face-to-face mission is mainly targeted at fathers, whose psychological and practical support influences the initiation and duration of breastfeeding for mothers, and improves the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 4 and 6 months ( 52 ). Moreover, educators are able to manage multiple mothers in early lactation at the same time with the help of only one cell phone, which saves time and increases their work efficiency.…”