Men and Infant Feeding: Perceptions of Embarrassment, Sexuality, and Social Conduct in White Low-Income British Men

Abstract

In some communities few opportunities may occur to witness breastfeeding, and thus existing fears concerning the activity as attracting predatory male attention remain unchallenged. Perceptions of breastfeeding as a sexual activity and the dominant mass media emphasis on breasts as a sexual site may present additional obstacles to breastfeeding. Antenatal or perinatal education with men should address not only practical issues but also provide advice on tackling problems generated by wider sociocultural issues of sexuality and masculinity.

Do fathers′ attitudes support breastfeeding? a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in Mumbai, India

“…[13] Recent reports indicate that couples in US and UK get embarrassed and hence disapprove of breastfeeding in public. [11,14] Fifthly, there is a need to educate mothers who intend to return to their jobs (and their husbands) that it is easy to store their breast milk in a clean container(s) at room temperature or in the refrigerator before leaving for work and even at their work place. This would enable them to continue predominantly breastfeeding their baby and minimize the need for formula feeding.…”

Influence of Partner Support on an Employed Mother's Intention to Breastfeed After Returning to Work

“…26 A study examining cultural associations and beliefs concerning infant feeding practices among low-income men revealed that male participants (including fathers, expectant fathers, and potential fathers) perceived breastfeeding as ''natural'' but problematic, whereas formula feeding was mainly considered to be convenient and safe, and men without direct experience of breastfeeding assumed that it involved excessive public exposure and attracted unwanted male attention. 27 Breastfeeding is an unequaled process of providing the ideal food and care for the healthy growth and the physical and psychological development of infants. A partner's negative opinion due to misconceptions can be one of the most influential factors in a woman's decision not to breastfeed.…”

Fathers’ Thoughts on Breastfeeding and Implications for a Theory‐Based Intervention

“…Since the conceptualization of this study, new literature has appeared that supports the findings of this study. Investigators have found that male partners acknowledged breastfeeding as healthy and natural but did not feel that the method of infant feeding was their decision; they felt left out of the mother/infant relationship and were uncomfortable with breastfeeding in public (Avery & Magnus, ; Henderson, McMillan, Green, & Renfrew, ; Sherriff & Hall, ; Sherriff, Hall, & Pickin, ; Vaaler et al, ). Similar to our results, other researchers recommend the development of interventions targeting male partners.…”