The purpose of this study was to discover the determinants of African American male support for breastfeeding promotion. This study is important because of the continuing lag in breastfeeding rates among low-income African American females even though they represent the group with the highest rate of increase (Ross, 1998). The qualitative data collection instruments were developed based on an extensive literature review on African American males knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about breastfeeding, breastfeeding decision making, and assessment of the role that males should play in perinatal health of their families. Focus groups were held with WIC recipients, fathers of babies, and WIC staff to solicit each of their views on how African American males could become more involved in support of breastfeeding promotion. In all, 40 people participated in the 4 focus groups held for this qualitative research. Using rapid analysis techniques, the following themes emerged: 1) fathers are jealous of their infants because of the affection that infants receive from their mothers; 2) the prenatal period should be assessed to help couples anticipate this problem and plan how they will maintain their strong bond; 3) how fathers can support breastfeeding is a scripted role which needs to be defined, supported, and praised; 4) successful breastfeeding should be a family affair with mother and father working together; and 5) clinics and other health care settings and environments should be father-friendly, exhibiting father-friendly role models. Products from this project will include a video, an interactive questionnaire, 4 posters, and 4 pamphlets.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the findings that emerged from the focus group discussions. 2. Develop ways of making clinics and other health care environments more father-friendly
Keywords: Breast Feeding, Family Involvement
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.