From dyad to triad: a survey on fathers ’ knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding

Conclusion: By using a novel instrument aimed at quantifying fathers ’ knowledge and overall attitude toward breastfeeding, this study underlines the importance of including fathers in the promotion of breastfeeding. Expanding the classic mother-baby dyad to a more modern mother-father-baby triad may impact breastfeeding outcomes at discharge.What is known:• Social support plays a major role in improving breastfeeding outcomes.• Fathers may greatly influence initiation and duration of breastfeeding; the more they know, the more helpful they can be.What is new:• A multidisciplinary team created a structured questionnaire aimed at quantifying fathers’ knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding.• The association between a higher questionnaire total score and exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge highlights the importance of including fathers in the promotion of breastfeeding, as part of the breastfeeding team.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research