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A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
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Fathers and breast feeding very-low-birthweight preterm babies

Linda Sweet1, Philip Darbyshire

  • 1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia. linda.sweet@flinders.edu.au

Midwifery
|January 15, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Fathers significantly influence breastfeeding for very-low-birthweight preterm infants, experiencing ambivalence and challenges in feeding roles. Encouraging paternal involvement in breastfeeding education is crucial for positive outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Parental support
  • Infant nutrition

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is recommended for all infants, including preterm and low-birthweight babies.
  • Fathers play a crucial role in infant care, yet their experiences with infant feeding are often under-researched.
  • Understanding paternal perspectives is vital for comprehensive infant feeding support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore fathers' experiences with breastfeeding their very-low-birthweight preterm infants from birth to 12 months.
  • To investigate fathers' perceptions of their influence and role in infant feeding.
  • To identify challenges and support needs for fathers involved in breastfeeding preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative interpretive phenomenology study.
  • Longitudinal in-depth individual interviews conducted with fathers.
  • Data collected from seven fathers of preterm infants at a tertiary hospital in Australia.

Main Results:

  • Fathers reported a significant influence on their baby's breastfeeding journey.
  • Fathers expressed ambivalent feelings and struggles in negotiating their parenting role related to infant feeding.
  • Discursive changes in fathers' accounts revealed evolving perspectives on breastfeeding support.

Conclusions:

  • Fathers of preterm infants have a notable influence on breastfeeding practices.
  • There are inherent tensions between promoting breastfeeding and acknowledging the role of bottle feeding.
  • Involving fathers in breastfeeding education, including the impact of bottle feeding, is essential for supporting successful infant feeding outcomes.
Abstract

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