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Encouraging breastfeeding: the role of fathers

Encouraging breastfeeding: the role of fathers

Bhairo, Rachael and Elliott, Helen ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8798-1037 (2018) Encouraging breastfeeding: the role of fathers. Journal of Health Visiting, 6 (6). pp. 290-301. ISSN 2050-8719 (Print), 2052-2908 (Online) (doi:10.12968/johv.2018.6.6.290)

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Abstract

National and international policy and guidance recognise the health and other benefits of breastfeeding. Fathers are often the closest form of social support to the mother, with research suggesting that fathers can be an important source of breastfeeding support; however, they are not acknowledged in many existing breastfeeding protocols or policies. The aim of this literature review is to explore the role of the father in supporting breastfeeding. Nine studies were included in the literature review. Three themes were identified: duration of breastfeeding; educating fathers; and breastfeeding support from fathers. Findings suggest fathers offer a potentially valuable support for breastfeeding mothers. Resources and interventions for fathers need to be designed and researched with a need for policies and guidelines to acknowledge their role.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: breastfeeding, fathers, support, health visitors, mothers
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group: Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences
Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Health Sciences (HEA)
Last Modified: 08 Oct 2021 00:23
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/30766

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