title: Mothers' experience of fathers' support for breast-feeding.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine mothers' experience of support received from fathers for breast-feeding.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted in-depth in-person interviews with women with recent breast-feeding experience. Interview transcripts were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Interviews were designed to explore the mothers' perception of role of fathers in breast-feeding, education on breast-feeding that fathers received and their perception of the fathers' view on breast-feeding.
  
  
  METHODS
  Urban and suburban community.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen women from a metropolitan area in the north-eastern USA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten themes emerged, these involved practical and emotional support provided by fathers, especially during times of unexpected breast-feeding challenges. In addition, mothers perceived fathers may benefit from more peer and professional support, lactation consultant service and breast-feeding education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mothers appreciated the support from fathers for breast-feeding continuation, including encouragement and understanding. These results may be useful for health-care practitioners to promote breast-feeding continuation by supporting fathers in their role in the breast-feeding process.
authors.affiliation: Timberline Knolls, Lemont, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Lauren E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Nickerson
authors.forename: Abby C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Sykes
authors.forename: Teresa T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Fung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009511:New England; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012424:Rural Population; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014505:Urban Population