Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
05:04

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

Paternal Breastfeeding Involvement, Paternal-Infant Attachment, and Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort

Burçin Yorgancı1, Perran Boran1, Hatice Ezgi Barış2

  • 1Department of Social Pediatrics, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.

Journal of Human Lactation : Official Journal of International Lactation Consultant Association
|August 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Fathers

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Paternal involvement in infant care is increasingly recognized for its impact on child development.
  • Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health, and understanding factors influencing its duration is important.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between fathers' engagement in breastfeeding and their bond with the infant.
  • To determine how these factors relate to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and overall breastfeeding duration.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective observational cohort study followed fathers of 1-month-old infants.
  • Paternal breastfeeding involvement (PBIS), paternal-infant attachment, and paternal mental health were assessed.
  • Breastfeeding outcomes were evaluated at 1, 6, and 12 months postpartum.

Main Results:

  • Higher paternal breastfeeding involvement and stronger paternal-infant attachment were linked to increased odds of EBF.
  • Paternal involvement was also associated with longer total breastfeeding duration.
  • Each point increase in PBIS score correlated with a 3.1% rise in EBF odds.

Conclusions:

  • Paternal breastfeeding involvement and paternal-infant attachment are key predictors of successful EBF and extended breastfeeding.
  • Father-inclusive breastfeeding support programs can enhance breastfeeding outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
breast feeding durationbreast feeding supportbreastfeedingexclusive breastfeedingpaternal infant attachmentpaternal involvement

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