Perspectives of low-income fathers' support of breastfeeding: An exploratory study

Low-income women suggest that male support is crucial in their decision to breastfeed. This study explores perceptions of low-income rural males. Five small-group discussions were conducted with 17 predominantly Caucasian mal es and their partners committed to breastfeeding, to collect qualitative da ta delineating issues related to male support. Participants, recruited by W IG, verified both advantages and barriers to being the father of a breastfe d infant. An informal but defined mechanism for disseminating breastfeeding information emerged, which might enhance future efforts to increase breast feeding rates in low-income families. Furthermore, decision-making processe s similar to those described by Stages of Change were identified. This find ing might assist researchers and educators designing and predicting the out comes of future breastfeeding interventions.