Thoughts and experiences of well-educated fathers about their role when breastfeeding difficulties arose

Objective

To investigate how fathers or partners perceive their roles as new parents when confronted with early breastfeeding challenges, how they navigate these difficulties, and the specific type of support they seek from the Child Health Care Centre (CHCC).

Method

In-depth, individual interviews conducted with 12 partners of women for whom breastfeeding was difficult. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied on the interview data.

Results

Interviews resulted in three themes: 1) ‘It is a revolutionary time to be a new father’ represented a tumultuous time when fathers wanted to be involved in all decisions and part of a strong team with their partners. 2) ‘When a breastfeeding problem arose’; fathers questioned the sovereignty of breast milk and began to seek more knowledge. They experienced a strong social norm about breastfeeding that led to feelings of guilt for their partners. They felt helpless when their partners suffered and lacked support. 3) ‘Child Health Care Centre’s duty’; was instrumental, as knowledge and competence were found to be important for trust. The fathers wanted concrete solutions to breastfeeding problems and more conversations of support with the CHCC nurse.

Conclusion

Well-educated fathers desire to protect their partners as they experience suffering due to a robust social norm telling them that breastfeeding is best. This can result in them starting to question the sovereignty of breast milk. Fathers need support to help their partners successfully during breastfeeding. They want counselling to strengthen their role as parents and help them build trusting teams with their partners.