Co-Parenting Impact on Breastfeeding: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Zhi-Hui Zhao1, Yi-Yan Huang1, Jia Qiao1

  • 1School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.

Background: Although the beneficial effects of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) on infants and mothers have been identified, EBF rates remain unsatisfactory. Co-parenting interventions for perinatal couples have not been systematically evaluated and analyzed for their effects on breastfeeding outcomes. Aims and Objectives: To systematically evaluate the effects of co-parenting interventions on the rate of EBF, breastfeeding knowledge, breastfeeding attitude, breastfeeding self-efficacy, parental relationship, and partner support. Methods: Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies were systematically screened in eight online databases from inception to November 2022. Trials included in this review were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Eligible trials were used to conduct a meta-analysis using Review Manager software. The I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity between studies. When it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis, a descriptive analysis was used to present the findings due to insufficient data from the included studies. Results: Fifteen of the 1,869 articles reviewed met the inclusion criteria. Co-parenting interventions significantly improved the EBF rate at 16 weeks (odds ratio [OR] = 3.85, 95% confidence interval, CI [1.84 to 8.03], p < 0.001, I2 = 69%) and 6 months (OR = 2.82, 95% CI [1.47 to 5.41], p = 0.002, I2 = 85%). This study revealed that co-parenting interventions made statistically significant improvements in parental relationship (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.26, 95% CI [0.13 to 0.38], p < 0.001, I2 = 80%). There was no evidence of the effectiveness of interventions in terms of overall parental support (SMD = 0.75, 95% CI [-0.46 to 1.97], p < 0.001, I2 = 96%). Given the discrepant and limited research data, findings on breastfeeding knowledge, breastfeeding attitudes, and breastfeeding self-efficacy were presented descriptively. Conclusion: Co-parenting interventions effectively increase EBF rates at 16 weeks and 6 months postpartum, and improve breastfeeding knowledge, breastfeeding attitude, and parental relationships.

Related Concept Videos

Parental Care00:55

Parental Care

Many animals exhibit parental care behavior, including feeding, grooming, and protecting young offspring. Parental care is universal in mammals and birds, which often have young that are born relatively helpless. Several species of insects and fish, as well as some amphibians, also care for their young.
11.8K
Parenting Styles01:27

Parenting Styles

Diana Baumrind's four parenting styles — authoritarian, authoritative, neglectful, and permissive — each influence children's socio-emotional development differently.
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
97
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition01:27

Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition

Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
229
Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches01:23

Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches

Biopharmaceutical studies constitute a vital field aiming to enhance drug delivery methods and refine therapeutic approaches, drawing upon diverse interdisciplinary knowledge. In research methodologies, the choice between controlled and non-controlled studies significantly influences the study's reliability and accuracy.
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast,...
150
Bias in Epidemiological Studies01:29

Bias in Epidemiological Studies

Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is:  
384
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood03:34

Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood

Attachment is a long-standing connection or bond with others. While Attachment Theory was conceived in developmental psychology to describe infant-caregiver bonding, it's been extended into adulthood to include romantic relationships. 
43.5K