Jenice Roberts
Fathers and Infant Feeding
SchoolJohn Adams High School • Cleveland, Ohio
ProgramNursing Internship
MentorDorothy Van Poppel Ray, MSN
DepartmentObstetrics/Labor & Delivery, Marymount Hospital
- Research
- Fathers and Infant Feeding
- Hypothesis
- Historically, the method chosen to feed an infant has been determined by the mother. The literature contains little information as to the role of fathers in this decision-making. The purpose of this study is to identify the influential factors in a father’s life that would lead him to choose a specific method for feeding his infant. It was hypothesized that education, income, lifestyle, religion, employment, childbirth education, and self-esteem influence a father’s choice of how to feed his infant.
- Methodology
- First-time and experienced fathers completed two questionnaires that identified their point of view about their method of how to feed their infant. A self-esteem scale was used to help identify links between self-esteem and infant feeding. 36 fathers completed 2 questionnaires after delivery of their infant and before discharge. Independent T Test, Chi Square Test, Logistic Regression were used.
- Outcomes
- The odds of a father choosing breast feeding over formula was seven times more likely if his mother breastfed. Fathers exhibited awareness of the nutritional value of breast milk versus formula. However, analysis of the level of support of the father’s involvement obtained from healthcare professionals (doctor, nurse, lactation consultant) identified areas for improvement.
Interpretations
