374 - Characterizing Breastfeeding Support: A Study on the Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes of Postpartum Mothers' Partners and Family Members

Publication Number: 3361.374

Cristina R.. Fernandez, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States; Joan A. Gomez-Aguilar, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States; Tasya Dita, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Singapore, N/A, Singapore; Sonum Siddalingaiah, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States; Krisha Tripathy, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States; Charlee Manigat, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Newark, NJ, United States; Lauren Walzer, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States; Wanda J.. Abreu, CUMC, NEW YORK, NY, United States; Cecilia Mo, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States

Background: Partner and family member attitudes strongly shape breastfeeding initiation and duration, yet little is known about their specific beliefs about or desired roles in breastfeeding. Understanding these perspectives is critical to designing inclusive, culturally-responsive breastfeeding support strategies.

Objective: To describe breastfeeding-related knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among postpartum mothers' partners and close family members.

Design/Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 224 participants (185 partners, 24 grandmothers, 6 aunts/uncles, 4 siblings, 5 unidentified) from a convenience sample at an urban academic medical center. The 25-item survey was adapted from the validated Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale and assessed demographics and breastfeeding knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes on a Likert scale. Group differences were examined using Chi-square and t-tests.

Results: Participants' mean age was 37.0 ± 10.9 years; 63% held a college or advanced degree, 46% identified as Latino, 39% Black, 13% Asian, 38% White, and 10% multiracial/Other. Most partners were non-Latino, and most grandmothers were Latina (p < 0.0001). Most (88%) had seen someone breastfeed, though this was unrelated to breastfeeding practices with a prior child (p=1.0). Participants' infant feeding preferences included exclusive breastmilk (37%), mixed feeding (53%), and formula only (2%). One-third of those preferring exclusive breastfeeding also wanted to bottlefeed the infant themselves. Nearly all (99%) valued the mother's feeding preference, while 59% valued the partner's equally, 18% valued the grandparents', and 61% valued the hospital doctors' (Fig. 1). Most agreed that babies should be breastfed (72%) and that breastfed infants are healthier (68%), yet 61% viewed formula feeding as more convenient (Fig. 2). The majority (95%) believed breastfeeding strengthens mother-infant bonding, and 31% felt mothers who formula-feed miss out on a "joy of motherhood." Almost 80% felt they played a role in helping with breastfeeding, and 71% felt confident in doing so (Fig. 3).

Conclusion(s): Partners and family members generally support breastfeeding but hold mixed beliefs about benefit and convenience, with a strong desire to bottlefeed even among exclusive breastfeeding advocates. Despite recognizing breastfeeding's health and bonding benefits, gaps remain in confidence to help with breastfeeding and role clarity. Tailored interventions that engage partners and extended family, clarify supportive roles, and address misconceptions may strengthen and enhance breastfeeding support and duration across diverse families.

Figure 1. Perceived Influence of Family and Community Members on Infant Feeding Decisions, N=224
Partners and extended family of postpartum mothers in the hospital were asked to rank level of importance [3-point LIkert scale ranging from not important to very important] of the opinions of different family members and community members in infant feeding decisions. Nearly 99% of participants felt the postpartum mother's opinion on infant feeding decisions was very important; 59% felt the partner's opinion was very important, and 18% felt the grandparent's opinion was very important. About 61% felt hospital doctors' opinions on infant feeding were very important, and 54% felt nurses' opinions were very important.

Figure 2. Partner's and Family Members' Beliefs About Infant Breastfeeding , N=224
Partners and extended family of postpartum mothers in the hospital were asked their level of agreement [5-point LIkert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree] on statements to capture beliefs around infant breastfeeding. About 72% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that breastfed infants are healthier than formula-fed infants, yet only 66% agreed that babies should be breastfed and 61% viewed formula feeding as more convenient.

Figure 3. Partner's and Family Members' Attitudes Toward Supporting Infant Breastfeeding, N=224
Partners and extended family of postpartum mothers in the hospital were asked their level of agreement [5-point LIkert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree] on statements to capture attitudes around infant breastfeeding. About 79% of all participants agreed or strongly agreed that they played a role in helping with breastfeeding, and 71% felt confident in assisting the postpartum mother with breastfeeding the infant.