Open AccessCouples talk about breastfeeding: Interviews with parents about decision-making, challenges, and the role of fathers and professional support
Author(s) -
Erin J. Henshaw,
Maria Goeppert Mayer,
Sarina Balraj,
Elsie Parmar,
Kristine Durkin,
Rita J. Snell
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
health psychology open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2055-1029
DOI - 10.1177/20551029211029158
Subject(s) - breastfeeding , qualitative research , grounded theory , psychology , developmental psychology , nursing , medicine , social psychology , pediatrics , sociology , social science
Despite health benefits, sustained breastfeeding rates remain low in the United States, and the role of partners in breastfeeding is not well understood. Using a grounded theory approach, the current qualitative study explored how couples communicate regarding breastfeeding decisions and challenges. Mother-father dyads ( n = 16) completed individual semi-structured interviews 1 year after the birth of their first child. Following iterative qualitative analysis, three phases of breastfeeding communication emerged: Should we try this? ( Mother’s opinion counts) How do we make this work? (adjusting and problem-solving) and How do we settle into a routine? (gaining confidence, resolving issues) Findings underscore the complexity of defining the partner role in breastfeeding.