Free Fathers’ Thoughts On Breastfeeding And Implications For A Theory-Based Intervention Critical Thinking Example

New parents are faced with many challenges when they begin caring for their newborns. The decision of whether or not a baby should be breastfed can be made by both parents. However, fathers may feel left out during the actual process, as this is a bonding time that is more limited to the mother and the child. It is important that men know that there is information available regarding this subject, and if they have questions, they should speak with their children’s mothers. This study surveyed fourteen men to gain further insight into men’s opinions about breastfeeding, and was able to speak with them about issues that will help show how they feel about how their partner handles these situations.
I was not surprised that the subjects in this study stated that they believed that the decision of whether or not to breastfeed was mostly up to the woman. Their opinions that because this can be painful, stressful, and it is simply her body, were reasonable explanations for this. I agree that while they might want to make suggestions to the mother of their child, the final decision should be hers.
When the father’s began speaking about feeling left out of this experience, and some spoke of bottle-feeding, I think that it might be a good idea for these families to do both, for the bonding and the nutrient benefits. The mother and father could take turns feeding the infant, so that the father could spend more time with the child, and the child could still be breastfed.
It could be useful for all doctors to suggest breastfeeding to every mother because of all of the health benefits, and provide information to their patients about this information. There could also be separate pamphlets available, for both mothers, and fathers, to help make this material more understandable for them. Doctors, nurses, and others in the health field, could view these survey results and use them as a guide for some of the material that they may want to include in what they give to the fathers.

References

Mitchell-Box, K. & Braun, K. (2012). Fathers’ thoughts on breastfeeding and implications for a
theory-based intervention. JOGNN, 41. E41-E50.