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14/04/2014

Fathers Are Supportive Of Breastfeeding - Study

A new study has found that fathers often feel "left out" and "helpless" after the birth of their baby when it comes to breastfeeding.

The research, which was carried out by the University of Swansea, also discovered that fathers feel excluded from information and education that could help them support their partner. Those behind the study added that while dads have a positive attitude towards breastfeeding and want to be able to support their other half, many feel they are unprepared to do so.

For the study, a sample of 117 men were surveyed whose partner had given birth in the last two years and had initiated breastfeeding at birth. It was found that many men wanted their baby to be breastfed and felt really positive that their partner wanted to as well, but even though they felt they were encouraged to be part of other antenatal education, when it came to breastfeeding they received little information or were completely excluded. As a result, this led many to feel helpless if their other half experienced difficulties following the birth of their child.

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In response, men said they wanted more information to be made available about breastfeeding as well as to how they could support their partners and support mechanisms for themselves.

Dr Amy Brown and Dr Ruth Davies, from the University's College of Human and Health Sciences are behind the report.

Dr Brown, who is also Programme Director for the MSc in Child Public Health, explained: "We know that women who feel that their partner is supportive and encouraging of breastfeeding are more likely to continue breastfeeding.

"Our findings show that men want to do this which is fantastic news but feel unprepared or unsure of how they can help.

"We need to make sure that dads to be also have lots of information about practical and emotional ways to support their partner so that they feel both confident and involved at this time.

"Increasing breastfeeding rates is a strategic priority and giving more time to fathers could be one way we could support new mums to breastfeed."

Dr Davies added: "Research is showing more and more just how important fathers are to their baby's development. It's crucial that they have access to the support they need, both to promote breastfeeding but also for themselves and their relationship with their baby and role as a father.

"Our results suggest that fathers want specific and accessible information about the benefits of breastfeeding, strategies to encourage and support their partner alongside support for themselves during this time.

"Fathers need health professionals to direct support and information towards them as well as the mother and to recognise their importance in promoting and enabling breastfeeding."

(JP/IT)

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"A new study has found that fathers often feel "left out" and "helpless" after the birth of their baby when it comes to breastfeeding."