Father's influence on women's reproductive role of exclusive breastfeeding

Abstract

Early and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) increases gender equality by providing the best and equal start for all children, boys and girls alike, irrespective of levels of family income (Black et al. 2008). Despite the numerous benefits of EBF, many countries did not yet develop sound breastfeeding practices beyond identifying barriers for its low rate of practice. This study, conducted in Menagesha Woreda, attempted to examine factors that affected fathers’ involvement in EBF and its impact on women’s reproductive right and productive work. The Woreda serves as a place for many flower farms, where most rural women get job opportunity. The study is a qualitative one based on in-depth interview, focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interview. A total of 30 key informants and 2 FGD participants were involved in the in-depth interviews and discussions. Key informants from the health sector and flower farms were also part of the data source. Findings showed that there was very low understanding of the concept and application of EBF among mother and father informants. However, the study identified that there was a positive impact on duration of breastfeeding when fathers showed emotional and financial support. Though the need for fathers’ support was recognized by study participants, the existence of traditional gender division of labour (men seen only as guardians or providers of the family), and lack of attention towards men’s role in EBF by health centers negatively impacted men to be change agents. In addition, lack of EBF friendly facility in work place, lack of legal protection and job security were also found as barriers to working women from enjoying their reproductive right of EBF, parallel to maintaining their productive work. These results suggest that men focused intervention by health centers and media, and also women’s reproductive right based adjustment in work areas may help to change the existing low rate of EBF practice and allow women to enjoy their reproductive right parallel to their productive work.

Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding, fathers’ support, parental support, women and breastfeeding