?
The benefits of breastfeeding have been widely recognised and researched. Studies have shown that breastfeeding is superior to infant formula feeding because of its protective properties against illness, in addition to its nutritional advantages.
Breast milk is widely accepted as the most complete source of nutrition for infants. When compared with infant formula, breast milk provides a variety of benefits such as protection from infectious diseases and disorders, possible reduction of the risk of childhood and adolescent obesity, and support for cognitive development.
For these reasons and more, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations UNICEF adopted the Innocenti Declaration to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Furthermore, considering the extensive benefits of breastfeeding, it is recommended that an infant be breastfed exclusively for six months with continued combination of breastfeeding and infant foods until age one. WHO, however, recommends breastfeeding with appropriate solid food introduction for at least two years.
Recommended breastfeeding periods
Despite the identified benefits, the prevalence of breastfeeding initiation and continuation is still low and for many infants? worldwide, breastfeeding durations fall considerably short of the appropriate recommendation.
In 1993, studies in Ghana indicated that breastfeeding rate was identified to be seven per cent ?but improved to 31 per cent ?in 1998. In 2003, 53 per cent ?was obtained, followed by 63 per cent ?in 2008. However, 2011 statistics depict a drop to 46 per cent . These data are not so different from what pertains in other countries.
Premature discontinuation of breastfeeding is, however, complex and is influenced by a number of factors and a number of different reasons have been given by mothers for not initiating breastfeeding, as well as terminating breastfeeding early.
Studies have been conducted to identify variables that influence infant feeding decisions. Many demographic factors such as maternal age, marital status, education, race, socioe-conomic and cultural factors, parity, number of children at home, and social support have been shown to influence women?s decisions to breastfeed.
Barriers to breastfeeding
Maternal employment, inadequate support by health professionals in maternity hospitals and clinics, inadequate prenatal and postnatal breastfeeding education, and negative attitudes of mothers toward breastfeeding, as well as lack of support from fathers are barriers to initiating and continuing breastfeeding.
Among these factors, lack of support and negative attitude of the significance toward breastfeeding has, however, been observed as major predictors of early supplementation and it is this aspect that has received less attention.
Men and for that matter fathers play an important role as major decision-makers in the family. Thus, they participate in choosing the feeding method for their infants either consciously or sub consciously but they have traditionally not been included in breastfeeding education.
Studies indicate that three out of every four mothers feel that their partner?s opinion greatly influenced their decision to breastfeed and mothers consistently reported that their partners? opinions strongly encouraged or discouraged them from breastfeeding.
There is evidence pointing to the fact that, mothers made the decision regarding infant feeding method before they became pregnant or during the first trimester of pregnancy and the main reason given for choosing bottle feeding over breastfeeding was the ?mother?s perception of father?s preference?.
Furthermore, many men believe that breastfeeding is strictly confined to women and babies and thus view their roles as passive or neutral observers. In a more recent study, the role of the father has been described as being four-fold, comprising of partaking in the breastfeeding decision, providing assistance at first and subsequent feeding, determination of breastfeeding duration and possible risk factors for bottle feeding.
A common complaint from fathers of breastfed babies shows that they tend to feel excluded from the intimacy of the nursing.
A recent cross sectional survey regarding the phenomenon revealed that though fathers agreed breastfeeding was vital to the growth of their infants, the overall knowledge with regards to the duration of breastfeeding, as well as the dangers of early termination of breastfeeding was poor.
In addition, these fathers were identified to possess mixed attitudes and beliefs towards breastfeeding.
Some misconceptions revealed by the study included that ?breastfeeding made the breast less attractive, the breast milk not adequate for the infant, especially within the six months exclusive period and ?also that breastfeeding in public places was unacceptable.
These beliefs and attitudes affirm previous studies that men are less knowledgeable and possess poor attitudes and beliefs towards breastfeeding. ?Indirectly, these factors seem to affect the breastfeeding process adversely.
What should fathers do?
The first thing a father can do to promote success is to create a positive family atmosphere toward breastfeeding. If he views breastfeeding as making a positive difference in the health and well-being of his baby and as a high priority for his partner and child, this attitude will set the desired tone for achieving success.
Breastfeeding can be emotionally demanding, physically exhausting, and uncomfortable at times.
Virtually all new mothers experience doubts about their ability to care for a helpless newborn. Breastfeeding mothers harbour additional fears about the adequacy of their milk supply or the correctness of their breastfeeding technique, or their ability to overcome lactation problems.
Fathers can play a key role in bolstering their breastfeeding partner’s confidence by showering them with compliments, praising their efforts, and offering words of encouragement.
The laws of Ghana actually make no provision for paternal leave but fathers can actually maximise the few hours they spend with their infants and spouses.
It is also recommended that fathers be targeted for breastfeeding education. Since few men accompany their spouses to ante natal, post natal and child welfare clinics, educational programmes should be strategically planned and organised at work places, churches, mosques and other areas of social gathering.
The media can play a significant role in transmitting breastfeeding knowledge to fathers. This will not only help to improve their knowledge base but will also help fathers do away with the negative attitudes and beliefs they possess and as such be more supportive to the breastfeeding process.
The writer Jonathan Bayuo? is a registered nurse.
Source Daily Graphic
