Breastfeeding: father’s orientations, knowledge and participation in the process

Abstract

doi: 10.5216/ree.v12i3.6929

The parent involvement during breastfeeding may encourage his partner to breastfeed and to avoid early weaning. The study aimed to investigate the father's knowledge about breastfeeding and the information provided to him during the prenatal period, and to analyze their involvement in this process. Descriptive qualitative research, conducted in Goiânia, Goiás. Data collection was conducted between April and June of 2009, nine parents who accompanied their children, with age up to 24 months in services of the public health through interviews using a semi-structured guide. After thematic analysis of data were created three categories to show that generally the father is not involved in the process of breastfeeding, only two were instructed in prenatal care. The majority of respondents wanted to be a father and his children were breastfed, recognize the benefits of breastfeeding for the child, but are unaware of the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother. The data show that there is active participation of breastfeeding. We conclude that health services should establish clear goals and a policy for training staff in health and quality standard of care provided to women, children and father.

Descriptors: Breast Feeding; Fathers; Health Promotion.