Father's influence on breastfeeding continuity or interruption: meta-synthesis

Objective: To synthesize qualitative evidence on the father's influence on the mother's decision to maintain or interrupt breastfeeding. Method: Qualitative metasynthesis, with systematic searches in the LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases, supplemented by manual searches. ENTREQ (Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research) recommendations and the checklist CASP (CriticalAppraisal Skills Program) were followed to assess the studies quality. In the data synthesis process, a thematic synthesis approach was used. Results: Of a total of 1,158 references identified, 13 were included. The thematic synthesis allowed the construction of two analytical themes, which qualify paternal influence: 'Difficulty in actively participating in the breastfeeding process', with four descriptive themes, and 'Acting directly or indirectly with the mother during breastfeeding', with three descriptive themes. Conclusion: Most studies revealed the decision-making process to be centered on the mother. Health education aimed at fathers during prenatal care contributes to participatory fatherhood and encourages breastfeeding.