INVOLVEMENT OF FATHERS IN THE BREASTFEEDING PROCESS

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to identify the involvement of fathers in the breastfeeding process in a state maternity hospital in the Central-West of Brazil. A descriptive study with a quantitative approach was carried out with the use of primary data collected by means of structured interviews, with 56 fathers accompanying their puerperal partners. There was a prevalence of fathers aged from 25 to 31 years, 20 (35.71%), married, 22 (39.29%), and with complete high school education, 18 (32.14%). All pregnant women carried out prenatal appointments and 36 (64.29%) fathers accompanied them. Twenty-three (41.07%) fathers received guidance on breastfeeding and there was a prevalence of nurses, 17 (30.36%), among the professionals who provided them with information. The main facilitating factor for fathers to help in breastfeeding was the desire to support their wives, 37 (66.08%), and the main difficult factor was the adjustment of working hours, 19 (33.93%). Being next to their partners is the way fathers found to encourage breastfeeding, and their involvement is fundamental to the success of this process.

Keywords

• Breast Feeding
• Prenatal Care
• Pregnant Women
• Paternity