Exploring Thai Fathers' Confidence in Supporting Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

The support provided by fathers plays a crucial role in the success of exclusive breastfeeding because it influences maternal breastfeeding practices, including initiation and duration. However, there is limited understanding of how fathers perceive their role and how their confidence in supporting breastfeeding evolves, particularly in the Thai context. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore the confidence of Thai fathers in supporting their partners’ exclusive breastfeeding efforts. Thirty fathers, aged 20 years or older and having a 6-month-old infant, were recruited through purposive sampling from two well-baby clinics in hospitals in Chiang Mai province, Thailand. Data collection occurred from March to July 2020 via a videoconferencing platform, using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions guided by the breastfeeding self-efficacy theory. Content analysis was used to analyze interviews. The findings revealed four key themes: (1) Deferring to my partner; (2) Confidence is dynamic; (3) Seeking knowledge and support; and (4) Institutional barriers: Paternity leave and hospital education. The results provide a nuanced understanding of Thai fathers' perceptions of breastfeeding support for their partners and children. Practically, these findings suggest that increasing fathers’ involvement could substantially improve exclusive breastfeeding rates. Healthcare providers can apply understanding of the findings to develop targeted interventions, such as educating fathers in prenatal and postnatal settings to actively support breastfeeding mothers, creating resources to foster shared family responsibilities in infant care, and enhancing hospital educational programs to include paternal education. Ultimately, recognizing and facilitating the role of fathers in breastfeeding support can lead to improved maternal and infant health outcomes in Thailand.