Partner support for breastfeeding: the need for health promotion

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding has multiple health benefits for both the infant and mother. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life (World Health Organization, 2001) but, within the UK, <1% of mothers achieve this (Office for National Statistics, 2007). Partner support is a major determinant of a mother's decision to initiate and breastfeeding (Persad & Mensinger, 2008; Swanson & Power, 2005). Partners may therefore be usefully targeted in health promotion initiatives to increase breastfeeding rates among women. Despite this, there is a gap in the literature concerning partners’ knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding, their existing inclusion in breastfeeding education, and their views of breastfeeding promotional literature aimed specifically at partners. The aim of this study is to address this gap in the research. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were carried out with male partners of breastfeeding mothers (n = 4) and partners of formula feeding mothers (n = 4), recruited from children's centres within the Bristol area. The interview protocol was developed based on the key research questions that emerged from the literature review. The interviews were recorded using a dictaphone and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were then analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical approval was given by the University of Bristol Department of Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee. Results: Three themes were identified. Theme 1: Partners views of breastfeeding: 6/8 of all partners considered breastfeeding in public to be less socially acceptable than formula feeding; 3/4 partners of formula feeding mothers showed a lower level of awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding compared to the partners of breastfeeding women. Theme 2: Maternity services: All partners reported receiving little or no advice on breastfeeding directed towards theml 6/8 and 5/8 partners felt they were not included in education on this area from maternity services during the antenatal and post-natal periods respectively. Theme 3: Breastfeeding promotion: All partners reported finding a breastfeeding leaflet specifically directed towards them both informative and useful, although 7/8 partners said they would prefer to have this information delivered in an antenatal class environment. Discussion: The results suggest that health education directed at partners on breastfeeding benefits may have a positive influence on partner support for breastfeeding. The results also indicate that some partners feel overlooked by maternity services, calling for greater engagement and involvement of male partners by maternity professionals. A case could be made for clearer and more comprehensive maternity guidelines regarding partner engagement in the breastfeeding process. The positive response to a breastfeeding promotion leaflet indicates partners’ willingness to receive information directed at them, although this information may be better delivered in a group setting. Conclusions: The findings suggest a potential value of partner involvement and support in breastfeeding promotion through education and engagement via maternity services using consistent guidelines.