Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
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BREASTFEEDING: WHAT ARE FATHERS BEING TAUGHT?
Claire O’Donnell, MSc, RNT, BSc, RGN, RM, Lecturer,
Department of Nursing & Midwifery, North Bank Campus,
University of Limerick.
Tel. No. 061 233614
Email address: claire.odonnell@ul.ie
Background and context: Irish breastfeeding initiation rates while
increasing over the last few years are most recently reported as just
41.25%. This identifies a public health concern as this rate falls
short of the ideal stated by the World Health Organisation.
Numerous factors inhibit breastfeeding initiation and attitudes are
included in these factors. While women’s attitudes to breastfeeding
have been identified as a key factor in the initiation of
breastfeeding, several researcher’s have suggested that partner’s
attitudes are influential in women’s decisions to breastfeed or not to
breastfed their baby.
Aim of study: To determine the attitudes of first time expectant
fathers regarding breastfeeding
Methodology: A quantitative descriptive approach was used. The
Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Questionnaire was administered to all
first time expectant fathers present at the first class in a series of
antenatal classes and to those present for their first visit to the
antenatal clinic on selected days.
Analysis: Data was analysed using SPSS, with descriptive and
inferential statistics.
Summary of key findings: The lack of knowledge among these
fathers regarding the benefits and composition of breast milk was
evident and agreement was immense with the statement that
women should not breastfeed in public places.
Conclusion: Healthcare professionals must find ways of dispersing
knowledge surrounding breastfeeding to expectant fathers and
society at large. Fathers as a population need to be educated to
help increase breastfeeding rates. Father’s opinions are a key
factor to their partners in supporting their decision to breastfeed
and this role must be recognised. Recommendations to achieve this
may involve the implementation of a father’s only antenatal classes
and the establishment of classes or seminars in schools with regard
to teaching teenagers about breastfeeding, especially on educating
male teenagers on how to enable them to support breastfeeding
successfully.
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