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Updated: May 23, 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
Fathers' experiences of breastfeeding support: how midwifery care, sociocultural context and Web 2.0 shape paternal
1San Agustín University Hospital (HUSA), Health Service of the Principality of Asturias (SESPA), Camino de Heros 6, 33401 Avilés, Asturias, Spain.
Objective:
To explore fathers' experiences of their role in breastfeeding and examine how midwifery care, sociocultural context and Web 2.0 environments shape paternal involvement in breastfeeding support.
Design:
Qualitative interpretative study informed by phenomenological principles.
Setting:
Primary care setting in Asturias, Spain, within the public health system.
Participants:
Fifteen fathers aged 24-39 years with at least one child under two years and experience of breastfeeding within the family context.
Methods:
Two focus groups were conducted and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Sampling was guided by informational power to ensure sufficient conceptual depth.
Findings:
Seven interrelated themes were identified: ambiguous paternal role, emotional ambivalence, inclusion and exclusion in midwifery care, structural and informational barriers, sociocultural influences, adaptive involvement strategies and Web 2.0 as complementary support. Fathers described themselves as highly motivated to support breastfeeding but frequently constrained by unclear role expectations, limited inclusion in professional care and insufficient father-specific guidance. Digital resources were widely used to compensate for gaps in formal support, although often associated with uncertainty regarding information credibility.
Key Conclusions:
Paternal involvement in breastfeeding is not solely determined by individual motivation but is shaped by the interaction of healthcare practices, sociocultural norms and digital environments. Fathers are active yet structurally positioned at the margins of breastfeeding support.
Implications For Practice:
Midwives are uniquely positioned to enhance paternal involvement by adopting family-centred approaches, actively engaging fathers, providing tailored guidance and supporting digital health literacy. Strengthening father-inclusive practices may improve breastfeeding experiences and outcomes at the family level.
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