Abstract
Recognizing that an expectant father may influence a mother's decision to breast- or formula-feed, we tested the effectiveness of a simple, educational intervention that was designed to encourage fathers to advocate for breastfeeding and to assist his partner if she chooses to breastfeed. We conducted a randomized controlled trial in which expectant fathers (n = 59) were assigned randomly to attend either a 2-hour intervention class on infant care and breastfeeding promotion (intervention) or a class on infant care only (control group). The classes, which were led by a peer-educator, were interactive and informal and utilized different media to create an accessible environment for participants. Couples were recruited during the second trimester from a university obstetrics practice. Overall, breastfeeding was initiated by 74% of women whose partners attended the intervention class, as compared with 41% of women whose partners attended the control class (P =. 02). Expectant fathers can be influential advocates for breastfeeding, playing a critical role in encouraging a woman to breastfeed her newborn infant.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 708-712 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | American journal of obstetrics and gynecology |
Volume | 191 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1 2004 |
Keywords
- Breastfeeding
- Fathers
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology