Experiences of Newborn Fathers in Supporting Breastfeeding Based on the Social-Ecological System: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND

Despite the irreplaceable benefits of breastfeeding, China's exclusive breastfeeding rate among infants under 6 months remains far below the WHO target of 50%. Fathers play a critical role in breastfeeding outcomes, yet research exploring their experiences and challenges remains limited.

AIM: To explore the experience of newborn fathers in supporting breastfeeding and provide a reference for developing an effective breastfeeding support system.

METHODS

Based on the social-ecological system, this descriptive qualitative study was conducted from October to December 2024. Newborn fathers from the obstetrics department of a tertiary general hospital in Guangzhou were purposively sampled (N = 13) for semistructured interviews. Data were organized and analyzed using directed content analysis.

RESULTS

A total of three themes and seven subthemes were extracted, including microsystem (newborn fathers' recognition and breastfeeding support but insufficient self-efficacy), mesosystem (the need for optimization of family support systems), and macrosystem (the need for improvement in sociocultural support systems).

CONCLUSION

Newborn fathers recognize and support breastfeeding, but their low self-efficacy results in inadequate supportive behaviors. Multiple factors, such as individual knowledge and attitudes, family and workplace support, sociocultural influences, and public service systems, interact and influence each other.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Effective strategies to narrow fathers' attitude-behavior gap in breastfeeding include practical skill training, continuous daily support, family communication enhancement, workplace optimization, sociocultural guidance, and improved public services. Strengthening research and advocacy on paternal roles can further reduce fathers' burden and increase their participation, thereby promoting breastfeeding practices.