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International Breastfeeding Journal
Published in: International Breastfeeding Journal 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

‘The mum has to live with the decision much more than the dad’; a qualitative study of men’s perceptions of their influence on breastfeeding decision-making

Authors: Luke Hounsome, Sally Dowling

Published in: International Breastfeeding Journal | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Although breastfeeding is widely acknowledged as the normal method of infant feeding, there are large variations in rates of initiation and duration. Several factors are linked to the likelihood of breastfeeding initiation, including the influence and opinion of the child’s father. There is limited research into men’s perception of their influence, or if they feel it appropriate to be involved in deciding how to feed their children. The aim of this study was to investigate, using a qualitative methodology, fathers’ perceptions of their influence on the decision to feed their child breastmilk or formula.

Methods

Six men were recruited through Children’s Centres in Bristol, United Kingdom, and a phenomenological research methodology implemented using semi-structured interviews. Specific objectives were: to understand participants’ views on breastfeeding; understand if and how these views were discussed with their partner; to determine if participants believed involvement in the feeding decision is appropriate; to understand how they felt about the decision made; and to see if their views changed after the birth of their child.

Results

Multiple themes emerged during analysis, including deferring of responsibility to the mother; breastfeeding as normal practice; change in attitude; involvement in parenting; and, advantages for the father. The men in the study accepted breastfeeding as normal behaviour, probably because of their upbringing in households where breastfeeding was practiced. There was consensus that women had more say in deciding to breastfeed, which was explained as a consequence of their greater involvement. It could also be interpreted as an unwillingness to interfere in an area perceived as ‘owned’ by women. Participants acknowledged that breastfeeding was more difficult than they had perceived.

Conclusions

The key themes emerging from the interviews are suggestive of an impact on breastfeeding interventions that use the father as an intermediary. If they do not feel that they are ‘permitted’ to comment on their partner’s breastfeeding, then simply increasing knowledge of breastfeeding benefits in these men is likely to have minimal impact.
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Metadata
Title
‘The mum has to live with the decision much more than the dad’; a qualitative study of men’s perceptions of their influence on breastfeeding decision-making
Authors
Luke Hounsome
Sally Dowling
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Breastfeeding Journal / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1746-4358
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-018-0145-1

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