Abstract
Fathers have an important but overlooked role in supporting their breastfeeding partner given that their support can have a considerable impact on rates of breastfeeding initiation and continuance. Fathers remain a valuable yet ‘untapped’ resource for breastfeeding mothers, as well as for health professionals (and lay people) whom may be supporting breastfeeding in both clinical and community settings. In this article we summarise the research regarding insights into why fathers should be included in public services intended for the family including maternity services. We also summarise some of the main issues regarding what excludes fathers from these services (such as gender-based discourses about men and fathers). Finally, we then propose how fathers can be included more meaningfully by health professionals particularly in relation to supporting breastfeeding.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 19-22 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | International Journal of Birth and Parent Education |
| Volume | 1 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 May 2014 |
Keywords
- fathers
- breastfeeding
- resource
- health professional
- public services
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Nigel Sherriff
- School of Sport and Health Sciences - Prof of Public Health and Health Promotion, Associate Dean Research and Knowledge Ex
- Centre for Arts and Wellbeing
- Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender
- Centre of Resilience for Social Justice
- Long-term Conditions and Rehabilitation Research and Enterprise Group
- Public Health and Wellbeing Research and Enterprise Group
Person: Academic