Jump to main content
US EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Search
Search
Main menu
Environmental Topics
Laws & Regulations
About EPA
Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)
Contact Us
Print
Feedback
Export to File
Search:
This record has one attached file:
Add More Files
Attach File(s):
Display Name for File*:
Save
Citation
Tags
HERO ID
2726061
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Fathers' thoughts on breastfeeding and implications for a theory-based intervention
Author(s)
Mitchell-Box, K; Braun, KL
Year
2012
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing
ISSN:
0884-2175
EISSN:
1552-6909
Volume
41
Issue
6
Page Numbers
E41-E50
Language
English
PMID
22861175
DOI
10.1111/j.1552-6909.2012.01399.x
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To explore male partner's perceptions of breastfeeding to inform the development of interventions to increase their support of breastfeeding.
DESIGN:
Qualitative grounded theory.
SETTING:
Participants were recruited and interviewed in two Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinics located Honolulu, Hawai'i.
PARTICIPANTS:
Fourteen male partners of low-income pregnant women or new mothers.
METHODS:
Male partner attitudes, knowledge, and feelings were collected through private interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data were analyzed using grounded theory methods.
RESULTS:
All men appreciated breastfeeding's health benefits, acknowledged that it was natural, and were empathetic to the efforts of their partners. The men also discussed not being involved in the breastfeeding decision, believing formula feeding was more convenient than breastfeeding, feeling left out of the infant-feeding process, and being uncomfortable with breastfeeding in public.
CONCLUSIONS:
Findings suggest that an intervention to increase male partner support of breastfeeding should include multiple components to enhance knowledge, to empower men to be more engaged in the breastfeeding decision, to provide specific tips on how men can be involved in breastfeeding, and to increase comfort with breastfeeding in public. A multicomponent framework such as the social cognitive theory could be useful in guiding the development of such an intervention.
Home
Learn about HERO
Using HERO
Search HERO
Projects in HERO
Risk Assessment
Transparency & Integrity