Examining the correspondence of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding couples' infant feeding attitudes

This report focuses on the comparison of infant feeding attitudes within breastfeeding (n = 126) and bottle-feeding (n = 101) couples and their socio-demographic details. The findings from this study reinforce the view that socio-demographic factors are associated with the mothers' choice of feeding method. However, this study highlights the influence of maternal and of paternal knowledge and attitudes which distinguish between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding couples. Fathers of bottle-feeding babies were found to have limited knowledge of health benefits of breastfeeding to both mothers and infants. However, bottle-feeding mothers, when compared with their partners, were more supportive towards bottle feeding and less negative towards breastfeeding. Fathers of breastfeeding babies, compared with their partners were found to be less aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. Furthermore, breastfeeding mothers when compared with their partners were more supportive towards breastfeeding. Fathers of both bottle and breast feeding babies were also found to be more embarrassed than their partners about mothers in general breastfeeding in front of nonfamily members. It seems that bottle-feeding mothers and all fathers could be better prepared in many aspects of breastfeeding by the nursing professions to allay the many misconceptions and the social embarrassment associated with breastfeeding, by providing appropriate information and support.