Learning Objective #1: Identify how fathers are involved in the decision to breastfeed

Learning Objective #2: Identify the part fathers feel they play in the breastfeeding experience

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The father's experience when the baby is breastfed has not been widely studied from the father's perspective; qualitative research from this perspective is also lacking. The purpose of this study was to identify the father's experience from the father's perspective. A phenomenological approach using focus group discussion was conducted with five fathers who had babies that were being breastfed. Four themes emerged during analysis of the taped discussions; learning experience, sleep, helping out and deciding to breastfeed. The fathers see breastfeeding as a learning experience beginning from the time they are involved in making the decision and continuing throughout breastfeeding. The results of this study corroborate with earlier studies indicating that positive support from the father is important to breastfeeding success. In addition, this study provides further validation that the father plays an active role in the breastfeeding experience. Additional research is warranted in this area in order to fully understand the father's experience when the baby is breastfed.