How should father support be in breastfeeding?: A systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10976093Keywords:
breastfeeding, father support, paternal support, father's role, systematic reviewAbstract
Aim: Breastfeeding is the newborn's best chance for a good start in life. Breastfeeding is seen primarily as the mother's duty. However, the participation and support of the father as well as the mother in breastfeeding will help breastfeeding to be more effective and long-lasting.The purpose of this systematic review is to seek answers to the question “How should father support be in breastfeeding?”
Materials and Methods: The study was carried out based on a literature review on Web of Science, Pubmed, Scholar Google, EBSCO Host, and Science Direct databases. The keywords used in the search were "father support," "paternal support," "father's role," and "breastfeeding". The search strategy was prepared by using MESH (Medical Subject Headings) terms. All qualitative studies on the subject were discussed.
Results: A total of 177 studies were examined. 11 studies were included in the review. The main themes obtained; emotional support, giving support in practical matters, having knowledge about breastfeeding and breast milk, developing a positive attitude towards breastfeeding, and active involvement in the decision-making process.
Conclusion: Fathers' knowledge about and attitudes towards breastfeeding, involvement in the decision-making process, and their practical and emotional support about breastfeeding were highly important in terms of the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding and the mother’s coping with the problems in the breastfeeding process. When fathers receive counseling services together with mothers and take part in education programs, this will enable them to have a positive attitude towards breastfeeding and to be effective on mothers' decisions.
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