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Updated: May 25, 2026

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
Mothers' experience of fathers' support for breast-feeding
Lauren E Nickerson1, Abby C Sykes, Teresa T Fung
1Timberline Knolls, Lemont, IL, USA.
Objective:
To examine mothers' experience of support received from fathers for breast-feeding.
Design:
We conducted in-depth in-person interviews with women with recent breast-feeding experience. Interview transcripts were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Interviews were designed to explore the mothers' perception of role of fathers in breast-feeding, education on breast-feeding that fathers received and their perception of the fathers' view on breast-feeding.
Setting:
Urban and suburban community.
Subjects:
Nineteen women from a metropolitan area in the north-eastern USA.
Results:
Ten themes emerged, these involved practical and emotional support provided by fathers, especially during times of unexpected breast-feeding challenges. In addition, mothers perceived fathers may benefit from more peer and professional support, lactation consultant service and breast-feeding education.
Conclusions:
Mothers appreciated the support from fathers for breast-feeding continuation, including encouragement and understanding. These results may be useful for health-care practitioners to promote breast-feeding continuation by supporting fathers in their role in the breast-feeding process.
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