Attitudes of expectant fathers regarding breast-feeding

• Published in: Pediatrics (Evanston) 1992-08, Vol.90 (2), p.224-227
• Main Authors: FREED, G. L, FRALEY, J. K, SCHANLER, R. J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attitude; Beliefs, opinions and attitudes; Biological and medical sciences; Bottle Feeding - psychology; Breast feeding; Breast Feeding - psychology; Ethnic Groups; Fathers; Fathers - psychology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Immunity, Maternally-Acquired; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Marriage; Mother-Child Relations; Object Attachment; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Surveys
• ISSN: 0031-4005; 1098-4275
• DOI: 10.1542/peds.90.2.224

Fathers participate in choosing the feeding method for their newborns. However they traditionally have not been included in most breast-feeding education programs. To examine expectant fathers' attitudes and knowledge regarding breast-feeding, we surveyed 268 men during the first session of their childbirth education classes at five private hospitals in Houston, Texas. The study population was 81% white, 8% black, and 6% hispanic. Ninety-seven percent (n = 259) of the total were married. Fifty-eight percent (n = 156) reported that their spouses planned to breast-feed exclusively; several significant differences existed between these men and those who reported plans for exclusive formula feeding. The breast-feeding group was more likely to believe breast-feeding is better for the baby (96% vs 62%; P less than .0001), helps with infant bonding (92% vs 53%; P less than .0001), and protects the infant from disease (79% vs 47% P less than .001). The breast-feeding group was also more likely to want their partner to breast-feed (90% vs 13%; P less than .0001) and to have respect for breast-feeding women (57% vs 16%; P less than .0001). Conversely, those in the formula feeding group were more likely to think breast-feeding is bad for breasts (52% vs 22%; P less than .01), makes breasts ugly (44% vs 23%; P less than .05), and interferes with sex (72% vs 24%; P less than .0001). The majority of both groups indicated breast-feeding was not acceptable in public (breast-feeding = 71%, formula feeding = 78%, P less than .05).