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Breastfeeding – a survey of fathers' support needs and preferred sources of information.
- Source :
- International Breastfeeding Journal; 7/17/2024, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p1-7, 7p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Background: Fathers can be a critical source of breastfeeding support for their partner, but little is known about what fathers would like to learn about breastfeeding. Partner's support and encouragement enhances mother's breastfeeding confidence and boost the capacity to address breastfeeding difficulties effectively. The aims of this study were to explore what fathers regard as important to learn around breastfeeding, and their current and preferred sources of information. Methods: A structured online survey was conducted, between September 2022 and November 2022, with fathers containing three sections: (1) sociodemographic variables; (2) perceived importance of 26 breastfeeding topics; and (3) sources of breastfeeding information. A convenience sample of expectant and current fathers aged 18 years or older, who were expecting a baby or had a child aged one year or younger, living in Australia, and able to complete survey in English was recruited. Participants were recruited on Facebook advertisement. Results: A total of 174 fathers participated in the study, majority (75%) were aged 30–39 years, current dads (74%), and university educated (69%). The breastfeeding topics that fathers perceived as the most important/ important to learn about were how to work with their partner to overcome breastfeeding challenges, how fathers can be involved with their breastfed baby, the types of support fathers can provide to breastfeeding mothers, what to expect in the first week and the benefits of breastfeeding. The most preferred health professional sources of breastfeeding information were midwives, child and family nurses and doctors. Among non-health professional sources of support, mobile app, friends and family were most popular. Conclusion: Breastfeeding information to enhance fathers' knowledge and awareness of common breastfeeding challenges, and fathers' role in supporting their breastfeeding partner, appear to be (most) important for fathers. Mobile app appears to be among the most preferred non-health professional ways to provide breastfeeding information to fathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- BREASTFEEDING
MOBILE apps
CROSS-sectional method
PSYCHOLOGY of fathers
EXPECTANT fathers
RESEARCH funding
FATHERS' attitudes
QUESTIONNAIRES
STATISTICAL sampling
FAMILY nurses
AFFINITY groups
INFORMATION resources
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
FAMILIES
INFORMATION needs
SOCIAL support
DATA analysis software
PHYSICIANS
PSYCHOSOCIAL factors
BREASTFEEDING techniques
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17464358
- Volume :
- 19
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- International Breastfeeding Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 178777536
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-024-00654-9