Researchers from Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago have highlighted the influential role fathers play in promoting breastfeeding and safe infant sleep practices. Their study, which introduced a survey tool called PRAMS for Dads, revealed a significant increase in breastfeeding rates when fathers were supportive. However, the study also shed light on the relatively low adherence to recommended safe sleep practices and identified racial disparities in this regard. Including fathers in strategies to improve infant health could contribute to narrowing these disparities.
Key Findings:
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Racial Disparities: The study draws attention to the racial disparities in sudden unexpected infant death in the U.S.
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Adherence to Safe Sleep Practices: Only 16% of fathers followed all three American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)-recommended infant sleep practices.
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Breastfeeding Rates: Fathers who desired their infant’s mother to breastfeed showed higher rates of breastfeeding initiation and continued breastfeeding at eight weeks compared to fathers who had no opinion or did not support breastfeeding.
The survey, conducted by scientists at Northwestern University and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, involved 250 fathers surveyed two to six months after the birth of their child. The findings provide valuable insights into father-reported attitudes, experiences, and practices related to breastfeeding and infant sleep. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics on June 16, represents one of the first state-representative samples in this context.
Among fathers who expressed a desire for their infant’s mother to breastfeed, 95% reported breastfeeding initiation, and 78% reported breastfeeding at eight weeks. In contrast, only 69% of fathers with no opinion or opposition to breastfeeding reported breastfeeding initiation, with only 33% continuing at eight weeks.
The researchers also discovered that while 99% of fathers reported putting their infants to sleep, only 16% implemented all three AAP-recommended safe sleep practices. A significant number of fathers were missing at least one important component of safe sleep education.
Lead study author Dr. John James Parker, an instructor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasizes the critical role of fathers in promoting breastfeeding and safe infant sleep. He emphasizes the need for direct engagement with fathers during breastfeeding discussions and highlights the importance of fathers’ involvement in breastfeeding success.
The study further highlights racial disparities in sudden unexpected infant death, with Black fathers being less likely to use the recommended back sleep position and more likely to use soft bedding compared to white fathers. To address these disparities, Parker suggests tailored strategies to increase safe infant sleep practices in the Black community, including awareness campaigns and home visiting programs that involve both parents.
The study also emphasizes the unique needs of new fathers, prompting senior author Dr. Craig Garfield, professor of pediatrics and medical social sciences at Feinberg and a Lurie Children’s pediatrician, to collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health. Together, they developed the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) for Dads, a new survey tool that provides data on the health behaviors and experiences of men entering fatherhood. This tool aims to gather information to support the development of strategies for improving child health outcomes.
Garfield stresses the importance of equitable distribution of breastfeeding and safe sleep guidance to all new parents, citing the study’s findings that fathers with college degrees were more likely to receive such guidance and report breastfeeding.
The research project received support from the CDC, including Cooperative Agreement #U38OT00140, and the CDC Innovation Fund, Office of Science/Office of Technology and Innovation.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about parental involvement
What is the impact of fathers on breastfeeding and infant sleep safety?
Fathers play a significant role in promoting breastfeeding and ensuring safe sleep practices for infants. Research from Northwestern University and Lurie Children’s Hospital highlights that fathers who are supportive of breastfeeding contribute to higher breastfeeding rates. However, adherence to recommended safe sleep practices remains relatively low. The study also identifies racial disparities in safe sleep practices, emphasizing the need for paternal involvement and tailored strategies to improve infant health outcomes.
What were the findings of the study regarding breastfeeding rates?
The study revealed that fathers who desired their infant’s mother to breastfeed had significantly higher rates of breastfeeding initiation and continued breastfeeding at eight weeks compared to fathers who had no opinion or did not support breastfeeding. The findings emphasize the importance of father’s support in successful breastfeeding.
What were the findings related to safe sleep practices?
The study found that while nearly all fathers reported putting their infants to sleep, only a small percentage implemented all three American Academy of Pediatrics-recommended safe sleep practices. This indicates a need for increased education and adherence to these practices to ensure infant sleep safety.
Did the study identify any racial disparities in safe sleep practices?
Yes, the study identified racial disparities in safe sleep practices. Black fathers were less likely to use the recommended back sleep position and more likely to use soft bedding compared to white fathers. These disparities contribute to the higher rate of sudden unexpected infant death among Black infants. The findings highlight the importance of tailored strategies to promote safe sleep practices within the Black community.
What is the significance of including fathers in strategies to improve infant health?
Involving fathers in strategies to improve infant health is crucial for narrowing disparities and achieving better outcomes. Fathers have a direct impact on breastfeeding success and can play a significant role in promoting safe sleep practices. By engaging fathers in discussions and providing support, healthcare providers can enhance overall infant health and well-being.
What is PRAMS for Dads, and why is it significant?
PRAMS for Dads is a survey tool developed by Northwestern University and Lurie Children’s Hospital to gather data on the health behaviors and experiences of new fathers. It aims to provide insights into the unique needs of fathers and guide the development of strategies to support them. This tool fills a gap in research and helps ensure that father-focused interventions and guidance are implemented effectively.
How can we address the identified disparities and improve child health outcomes?
To address the racial disparities and enhance child health outcomes, tailored strategies are required. These can include public campaigns to increase awareness of safe sleep practices, home visiting programs that involve both parents, and equitable distribution of breastfeeding and safe sleep guidance. By actively involving fathers and implementing targeted interventions, we can work towards improving child health outcomes for all.
More about parental involvement
- Study: Fathers, Breastfeeding, and Infant Sleep Practices
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- CDC – Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)
- CDC – Sudden Unexpected Infant Death
7 comments
this study really highlights the importance of promoting breastfeeding and safe sleep practices. let’s protect our little ones and ensure they have the best start in life.
i’m glad they’re focusing on the dads and their involvement. it’s not just about moms, both parents should be informed and supported in breastfeeding and safe sleep.
this research is really impotant, it shows the racial disparities in infant sleep safety. we need to do more to protect all babies, no matter their race!
as a dad, i can totally relate to this. we dads play a role too! i remember when my wife breastfed, it was a bit hard at first but we supported her. also, safe sleep is super important, we need to be aware of the best practices.
PRAMS for Dads sounds like a useful tool for collecting data. it’s important to understand the needs of new fathers and develop targeted strategies. technology can help with that!
it’s interesting that black fathers are less likely to use the back sleep position. we should raise awareness and provide education to make sure all parents know how to keep their babies safe during sleep.
oh wow, so fathers can make a big diffrence in breastfeeding and infant sleep? thats cool, they should be more involved!