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Title: INSIGHT FROM A BREASTFEEDING PEER SUPPORT PILOT PROGRAM FOR HUSBANDS AND FATHERS OF TEXAS WIC PARTICIPANTS

Author
item STREMLER, J - TX DEPT STATE HEALTH SERV
item Lovera, Dalia

Submitted to: Journal of Human Lactation
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/30/2004
Publication Date: 11/1/2004
Citation: Stremler, J., Lovera, D. 2004. Insight from a breastfeeding peer support pilot program for husbands and fathers of Texas WIC participants. Journal of Human Lactation. 20(4):417-422.

Interpretive Summary: Previous studies have shown that the major influence on a woman's choice to breastfeed is the attitude of the father toward breastfeeding. The goals of this study conducted in the Texas Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program were to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration and to enlist the assistance of husbands, fathers, and males in promoting breastfeeding among WIC mothers. An example of the impact of this peer-to-peer dad program increased breastfeeding by 7-12% in one county. Grandfathers and other male relatives were willing to participate in providing information on parenting, breastfeeding and nutrition. Male participants rated the information as "very important" and thought it would help them support the mothers in breastfeeding. While retention of dad peers was hard due to work schedule, the dads felt the program empowered them to be more involved in the mothers" breastfeeding efforts and providing a stronger family bond.

Technical Abstract: A Father-to-Father Breastfeeding Support Pilot Program conducted by the Texas Department of Health provides a model of a viable way to increase breastfeeding rates in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC Program). The pilot concept was based on previous success with a breastfeeding peer counselor program and research documenting the father's attitude as an important influence on a mother's decision to breastfeed. Peer dads are fathers of breastfed infants participating in the WIC Program. They are recruited, trained, and hired to give breastfeeding and parenting information to other WIC fathers. WIC fathers rated the information they received as "very important" and indicated that counseling sessions would help them support their infants' mothers with breastfeeding and be better fathers. Breastfeeding initiation rates increased at clinics employing peer dads. Father-to-Father breastfeeding education was successful in educating and empowering fathers, enabling them to support their breastfeeding family members.