Maternal and paternal experiences and satisfaction with a co-parenting breastfeeding support intervention in Canada

Abstract

Objective: Long-standing suboptimal breastfeeding rates suggest the design of interventions to assist parents in meeting international recommendations is warranted. Targeting both parents is necessary given research that indicates partner support for breastfeeding increases initiation, duration and exclusivity. The objective of this study was to determine maternal and paternal satisfaction with the intervention they received while participating in a co-parenting breastfeeding support trial.

Design: This study was part of a larger randomized controlled trial, which took place in Toronto, Canada between March and July 2012. The co-parenting breastfeeding support intervention was delivered to 107 mothers and 107 fathers in the intervention group.

Intervention: Intervention group participants were exposed to (1) an in-hospital discussion with a lactation consultant, (2) a breastfeeding booklet entitled Breastfeeding Matters, (3) an evidence-based co-parenting workbook, (4) a website with co-parenting and breastfeeding information, (5) a co-parenting DVD, (6) supportive emails to parents at week 1 and 3 postpartum, and (7) a proactive telephone call at two weeks postpartum.

Measurements: Mothers and fathers in the intervention group completed a survey with questions regarding their experience with the intervention components and satisfaction with the content on involving fathers, co-parenting, and breastfeeding, and the diverse modes of information delivery.

Findings: All mothers (n=107, 100%) and the majority of fathers (n =105, 98%) received at least one component of the intervention. The most highly utilized component was the Breastfeeding Matters booklet (mothers n=90, 90%; fathers n=67, 72%). The in-hospital discussion was the component the most fathers (n=77, 82.8%) and mothers (n=82, 82%) agreed was helpful. All intervention components were utilized and reported as helpful by mothers and fathers.

Implications for practice: Providing information to parents on breastfeeding, including fathers, and co-parenting was well received by parents. Information should target both parents and be delivered in a variety of modes.

Keywords: Breastfeeding; Co-parenting; Education; Fathers.