Examining the Relationship between Father-Baby Attachment and Fathers Effect on Breastfeeding

Backround:The role of fathers is very important in supporting mothers in the breastfeeding process and helping them go through the process successfully.Aim:This study was conducted descriptively to determine the relationship between father-infant bonding and the father&apos;s influence on breastfeeding.Method:The study was descriptive and conducted with 115 fathers who agreed to participate and met the inclusion criteria.Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form for the Father,the Paternal-Infant Attachment Questionnaire and the Partner Breastfeeding Influence Scale.Data were analyzed using percentage distribution,mean,Kruskal-Wallis test,Student&apos;s t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, linear regression analysis were employed for data analysis.A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant in the study.Results:The average scale scores for the Paternal-Infant Attachment Questionnaire and the Partner Breastfeeding Influence Scale were 66.33±4.68(min:52.70-max:75.30) and 137.01±21.53(min:83.00-max:178.00), respectively.It was determined that fathers scale scores were influenced by their education level, feelings of readiness for fatherhood,and their self-identification as fathers.The study found that father-infant bonding had a moderately positive effect on fathers influence on breastfeeding.The level of father-infant bonding significantly predicts fathers influence on breastfeeding.Conclusion:It was found that the participating fathers had a high level of bonding with their infants and significant influence on breastfeeding,with their influence increasing as their level of bonding rose.Practice Implication:It is thought that the results of the study may guide the development of interventions for paediatric nurses to determine father-infant attachment,the effect of fathers on breastfeeding and the factors affecting these factors while communicating with parents and to communicate with the family in line with these factors.