Paternal incentive in the practice of breastfeeding

Abstract

Objective: To identify the frequency of paternal incentive to practice breastfeeding. Methods: Cross-sectional study, part of the research “Health, nutrition and assistance services in the favela population of Recife”, with data collection from July to October / 2015. The population was represented by mothers of 310 children from zero to three years old, users of the two Basic Health Units of the studied favela. An “ad hoc” bank was created. The data were analyzed using the Stata 12.1 program. The research was approved by the IMIP Research Ethics Committee for Human Beings (CEP / IMIP). Results: 57.7% of mothers received encouragement from the child's father to breastfeed justified by: paternal absence, attitudes of indifference towards the mother and distrust towards paternity. The majority (92.9%) received prenatal care, however 93.9% did not receive guidance on breastfeeding. 55.1% received home visits in the first week of life. The 20 to 35 age group prevailed. 64.0% had less than 12 years of study and 72.6% belonged to social class C. Conclusion: The data in this study point to the recognition of the father as an important influencer in the breastfeeding process, as he can be a ally and stimulator of this practice.