Non-Cohabiting Fathers and Their Role in Breastfeeding Outcomes
Location
Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (JPHCOPH)
Session Format
Poster Presentation
Co-Presenters and Faculty Mentors or Advisors
Dr. Joanne Chopak-Foss, Faculty Advisor
Abstract
Background: Research on lactation and breastfeeding–including initiation, exclusivity, and duration–has long pointed to improved outcomes when a mother’s partner, typically the father, is supportive and involved in this practice. However, the role of non-cohabiting fathers in breastfeeding support is not well-understood.
Purpose: The purpose of this review is to examine the difference in breastfeeding duration and exclusivity of mothers supported by non-cohabiting fathers compared to cohabiting fathers.
Method: A preliminary literature review was conducted to identify outcomes of this subset of partners and implications for interventions.
Findings: The result of this review found that there is a gap in breastfeeding research that neglects to include non-cohabiting fathers who are also active in the breastfeeding journey. Utilization of interventions used among allomothers have shown promise when working with this group.
Discussion: Discussion will concern public health interventions that can be inclusive of non-cohabiting fathers to promote their role in breastfeeding. Findings will lead to the development of a qualitative assessment tool and recommended interventions to utilize amongst members of this population.
Conclusion: There is a need for further research and interventions that explore non-cohabiting fathers’ role and attitudes towards breastfeeding support.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Presentation Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Recommended Citation
Welch, RoShonda, "Non-Cohabiting Fathers and Their Role in Breastfeeding Outcomes" (2021). GS4 Georgia Southern Student Scholars Symposium. 19.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2021/2021/19
Non-Cohabiting Fathers and Their Role in Breastfeeding Outcomes
Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (JPHCOPH)
Background: Research on lactation and breastfeeding–including initiation, exclusivity, and duration–has long pointed to improved outcomes when a mother’s partner, typically the father, is supportive and involved in this practice. However, the role of non-cohabiting fathers in breastfeeding support is not well-understood.
Purpose: The purpose of this review is to examine the difference in breastfeeding duration and exclusivity of mothers supported by non-cohabiting fathers compared to cohabiting fathers.
Method: A preliminary literature review was conducted to identify outcomes of this subset of partners and implications for interventions.
Findings: The result of this review found that there is a gap in breastfeeding research that neglects to include non-cohabiting fathers who are also active in the breastfeeding journey. Utilization of interventions used among allomothers have shown promise when working with this group.
Discussion: Discussion will concern public health interventions that can be inclusive of non-cohabiting fathers to promote their role in breastfeeding. Findings will lead to the development of a qualitative assessment tool and recommended interventions to utilize amongst members of this population.
Conclusion: There is a need for further research and interventions that explore non-cohabiting fathers’ role and attitudes towards breastfeeding support.
