The Effect of Breastfeeding Education provided to Fathers on Breastfeeding, Parent-Infant Bonding, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Levels

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding contributes to infants' growth and development while also supporting family cohesion and parental roles. In this context, involving fathers in breastfeeding education may promote the sustainability of breastfeeding and strengthen family-centered care through support of the mother-infant bond. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding education provided to both mothers and fathers in the early postnatal period on breastfeeding outcomes, parent-infant bonding, and breastfeeding self-efficacy levels in both parents. METHOD: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 240 mother-father pairs. Participants were assigned to one of 3 groups: mother-only education, both-parents education, and a control group. Data were collected using the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, Postpartum Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (Short Form), Mother-Infant Bonding Scale, Father Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (Short Form), and Father-Infant Bonding Scale. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H, Friedman, repeated measures, and Pearson-χ2 tests, with a significance level of P < .05. RESULTS: Mothers and fathers in the both-parents group demonstrated significantly higher breastfeeding self-efficacy scores at 1 and 3 months postpartum compared with the control group (P < .001). In addition, father-infant bonding scores at 3 months were significantly higher in this group (P < .001), whereas no significant differences were found in mother-infant bonding across groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding education involving both parents significantly enhances maternal and father breastfeeding self-efficacy and improves father-infant bonding. Incorporating fathers into postpartum education may promote more positive breastfeeding experiences and contribute to the strengthening of early parental relationships.