Perinatal breastfeeding interventions including fathers/partners: A systematic review of the literature. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abbass-Dick, Jennifer; Brown, Hilary K.; Jackson, Kimberley T.; Rempel, Lynn; Dennis, Cindy-Lee
• Is Part Of: Midwifery. Volume 75(2019)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Breastfeeding -- Fathers -- Education -- Psychosocial -- Review; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Sages-femmes -- Périodiques; Midwifery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.2005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.04.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-6138

Abstract

Highlights: Breastfeeding interventions for fathers have been evaluated internationally. The interventions increased breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity. Partner support was increased when fathers were included in interventions. The most effective design of father focused interventions is not yet known. Cultural differences should be considered when designing these interventions. Abstract: Objective: Support from fathers is consistently associated with improved breastfeeding duration and exclusivity rates. Additionally, there is growing evidence that fathers want to be included in breastfeeding interventions provided by health care professionals. The objective of this review was to determine the effect of partner-inclusive educational and psychosocial interventions on breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity. Design: A systematic review was conducted using a search strategy developed with an expert health sciences librarian. Electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies from inception to August 4, 2018. Independent data extraction and quality assessments were conducted by authors using Cochrane Collaboration tools. Due to significant heterogeneity in intervention content, outcome measures, and follow-up time points, data were synthesized qualitatively. Findings: 3982 articles were identified, of which 12 studies in 15 publications met the inclusion criteria and were included. All of the studies improved at least one breastfeeding outcome, including duration ( n = 5/9) and exclusivity ( n = 8/10) up to 24 weeks postpartum. Six studies examined increasing paternal breastfeeding support and all found beneficial effects. Biases were identified in the studies with the most common bias relating to the randomization process and the blinding of outcome assessors. Implications for practice: The inclusion of fathers/partners in breastfeeding interventions improves breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity rates. Interventions that include face-to-face information delivery, are designed in a culturally appropriate manner, and provide information on how partners can support breastfeeding are more likely to have a beneficial effect. Research is warranted to examine the underlying intervention mechanisms.