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International Breastfeeding Journal
Published in: International Breastfeeding Journal 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research

Partners’ experiences of breastfeeding: a qualitative evaluation of a breastfeeding support intervention in Sweden

Authors: Ingrid Blixt, Ove Axelsson, Eva-Lotta Funkquist

Published in: International Breastfeeding Journal | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

The World Health Organization states that women and their families need breastfeeding support from the healthcare system. However, knowledge about the most effective way to involve the partner in breastfeeding is lacking. A qualitative evaluation can provide insight and knowledge about the partner’s experiences towards a breastfeeding support intervention and thus contribute to how forthcoming breastfeeding support policies are designed. The aim of this study was to explore partners’ experiences regarding breastfeeding while participating in The Breastfeeding Study.

Methods

An exploratory, longitudinal and qualitative design was used. This study was part of The Breastfeeding Study, which took place in Sweden. The intervention was performed in line with the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Partners in the in the intervention group (IG) were part of a structured breastfeeding support programme. An individual breastfeeding plan was established in cooperation with the parents-to-be during pregnancy, and the plan was followed up at the child healthcare centre. A purposive sample was recruited from March to December 2021. Interviews and diary entries from IG (n = 8) and control group (CG) (n = 8) during pregnancy and 2 months after birth were analysed by content analysis, in accordance with the COREQ guidelines.

Results

Partners’ experiences can be summarised under the main category of ‘Striving to be part of the family and important that the family’s everyday life was well-functioning’. IG partners experienced that both parents were involved and cooperated in the breastfeeding process and that guidance from healthcare professionals (HCPs) helped them to feel secure. CG partners experienced feeling excluded and not receiving support from HCPs.

Conclusion

Both parents need to be targeted in breastfeeding support policies to meet the support needs. Midwives at antenatal care and child healthcare nurses at the child healthcare centre have important roles to play in providing structured breastfeeding support and a breastfeeding plan. Both IG and CG partners strived to become a part of the infant’s life and to make family life work. Midwives should involve both parents in a reflective dialogue on how the partner can be involved, apart from just feeding the infant.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered in ACTRN12623000648628.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Partners’ experiences of breastfeeding: a qualitative evaluation of a breastfeeding support intervention in Sweden
Authors
Ingrid Blixt
Ove Axelsson
Eva-Lotta Funkquist
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Breastfeeding Journal / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1746-4358
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-023-00609-6

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