Supportive father watching his wife breastfeeding their baby.

Dads Make a Difference: How Fathers Influence Breastfeeding Success

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlocking the secrets to successful breastfeeding: Exploring the vital role fathers play in supporting mothers and improving infant health"

For years, breastfeeding promotion has primarily focused on mothers, with grandmothers sometimes included in the support network. However, a crucial piece of the puzzle has often been overlooked: fathers. Research increasingly shows that fathers play a significant, often underestimated, role in successful breastfeeding. When fathers are supportive and encouraging, mothers are more likely to initiate breastfeeding and continue it for a longer duration.

Recognizing the gap in understanding, a study was conducted in the Misha woreda of Southern Ethiopia to assess the involvement of fathers in breastfeeding practices and identify the factors that influence their participation. This community-based cross-sectional study combined quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive view of the situation.

This article unpacks the findings of this important research, offering insights into how fathers can positively impact breastfeeding outcomes and what steps can be taken to encourage their active involvement.

Key Findings: Fathers' Impact on Breastfeeding

Supportive father watching his wife breastfeeding their baby.

The study revealed that a significant 72.4% of fathers in Misha woreda were actively involved in breastfeeding practices. This positive involvement was linked to several key factors, highlighting opportunities for targeted interventions:

The study identified several factors significantly associated with fathers' involvement in breastfeeding. These included:

Education Matters: Fathers with higher levels of education (secondary school and above) were four times more likely to be actively involved.
Marital Harmony: Fathers in monogamous relationships showed significantly greater involvement.
Healthcare Engagement: When fathers accompanied their wives to health facilities, their participation in breastfeeding support increased dramatically.
Positive Perception: Mothers who believed in the importance of fathers' involvement were more likely to have actively engaged partners.

These findings underscore the importance of education, relationship dynamics, and healthcare access in shaping fathers' roles in breastfeeding. They also highlight the power of a mother's perception in encouraging paternal involvement.

Moving Forward: Empowering Fathers for Breastfeeding Success

The study's conclusions offer valuable insights for promoting fathers' involvement in breastfeeding. By focusing on education, encouraging healthcare engagement, and fostering positive perceptions, communities can empower fathers to play a more active and supportive role. Further research is needed to understand the nuances of these relationships and develop effective interventions that support both parents in achieving their breastfeeding goals. Promoting fathers' active participation will help promote health and well being of infants.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4172/2161-0665.1000306, Alternate LINK

Title: Fathers’ Involvement In Breast Feeding Practices And Associated Factors Among Households Having Children Less Than Six Months In Southern Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Pediatrics & Therapeutics

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Martha Abera, Misra Abdulahi, Tolassa Wakayo

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What percentage of fathers were actively involved in breastfeeding practices according to the study conducted in Misha woreda, and what factors contributed to their involvement?

The study in Misha woreda, Ethiopia, found that 72.4% of fathers were actively involved in breastfeeding practices. This involvement was significantly higher among fathers with secondary education or higher, those in monogamous relationships, and those who accompanied their wives to health facilities. Furthermore, mothers who believed in the importance of fathers' involvement were more likely to have actively engaged partners. These factors highlight key areas for intervention to increase paternal support.

How does a father's level of education impact their involvement in breastfeeding support, as indicated by the study, and what implications does this have for intervention strategies?

Fathers with higher education, specifically secondary school and above, are four times more likely to actively participate in breastfeeding support. This correlation underscores the importance of education in shaping perceptions and behaviors related to childcare. Educational initiatives targeting fathers can significantly increase their understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding and their role in supporting the mother and child.

Why does the study suggest that fathers who accompany their wives to healthcare facilities are more engaged in breastfeeding support, and what steps can be taken to encourage this practice?

The research suggests that fathers who accompany their wives to healthcare facilities are more engaged in breastfeeding support. This engagement is likely due to increased exposure to information about breastfeeding benefits and techniques, as well as feeling more involved in the maternal and child health process. Encouraging fathers to attend prenatal and postnatal appointments can lead to greater paternal involvement and improved breastfeeding outcomes.

What role does marital harmony play in a father's involvement in breastfeeding, and what interventions might promote a more supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers?

Marital harmony, specifically being in a monogamous relationship, is associated with greater father involvement in breastfeeding. A stable and supportive marital environment can foster better communication and shared responsibility for childcare. Relationship counseling and support services may further enhance marital harmony, which can positively influence fathers' engagement in breastfeeding practices. The Misha woreda study indicates a strong link between relationship dynamics and paternal support.

How do mothers' perceptions of fathers' involvement influence paternal participation in breastfeeding, and what strategies can be implemented to foster a more positive and collaborative approach?

Mothers' positive perceptions of fathers' involvement significantly influence the likelihood of fathers actively participating in breastfeeding. When mothers believe in the importance of paternal support, they are more likely to encourage and involve their partners. Educational interventions should therefore target both parents, emphasizing the benefits of shared responsibility and mutual support in achieving successful breastfeeding. This mutual understanding fosters a more supportive environment for the mother and improves overall breastfeeding outcomes.