Father’s opinion concerning breast feeding

Abstract

This is a qualitative study  which was developed in Natal/RN with 13 men whose children were in natural breast-feeding. The study had the objective of verifying the father’s opinion concerning breast-feeding. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews following a thematic analysis technique proposed by Bardin. The fathers attributed importance to breast-feeding relating it to the baby and the mother. Concerning the child, we verified the benefits of maternal milk as a nutritious meal that promotes the infantile growth and development. It also determines the current health and promotes a strong bond of love between the mother and her baby. Concerning the mother, the interviewees stated that breast-feeding, besides contributing to establish an affective bond between the baby and its mother, also accomplishes maternity. Therefore, we affirm that parents demonstrated positive opinion concerning breast-feeding which may contribute to the success of the natural breastfeeding.