Fathers’ perspectives and assessment of breastfeeding at a private maternity center in the City of Buenos Aires. A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction. The evidence about the effectiveness of fathers’orpartners’involvement in breastfeeding interventions to promote initiation, duration, and exclusiveness rates has increased in recent years. Objectives. To identify the perspectives and assessments of breastfeeding among partners of breastfeeding women and develop information to create adequate interventions that favor the inclusion of fathers in care spaces and in the support of breastfeeding. Materials and methods.Qualitative study with a grounded theory design.Four focus groups were held with fathers. Data were processed defining free flow analysis units, coded in 2 levels, an open code, with emerging categories, and such categories grouped into 5 main topics. Results. A total of 16 fathers participated. Five main topics were identified: fathers’ knowledge about breastfeeding, feelings towards breastfeeding, partner’s involvement in breastfeeding, development of the concept of fatherhood, breastfeeding in society. Breastfeeding was positively assessed.Although breastfeeding support was considered a shared family responsibility, there were not enough co-participation actions identified. Participants expressed their desire to play a more involved fatherhood role; however, they stated that these transformations are not supported at workplaces. Conclusion. The evidence showed a positive assessment of breastfeeding, adequate knowledge, and concern about difficulties. Breastfeeding support was considered a shared responsibility, but not enough specific co-participation actions were mentioned.