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Strengthen the Evidence for Maternal and Child Health Programs

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Evidence Tools
MCHbest. Breastfeeding.

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Strategy. Father/Partner Engagement

Approach. Empower and offer social support to expecting and new fathers/partners seeking information and advice around providing breastfeeding support

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Overview. Social support for breastfeeding and in particular support of the babies’ fathers have been identified as crucial elements for successful breastfeeding. A mother’s partner can act as a strong enabler for barrier to breastfeeding. Educational interventions to engage fathers/partners can include father/partner-focused breastfeeding education classes and digital technologies such as mobile apps and social media platforms.[1] More research is needed for conclusive results.

Evidence. Expert Opinion. Strategies with this rating are recommended by credible, impartial experts...

Access the peer-reviewed evidence through the MCH Digital Library or related evidence source.

Outcome Components. This strategy has shown to have impact on the following outcomes (Read more about these categories):

  • Environmental Health. This strategy improves the impact of physical, chemical, and biological factors in the environment on health.
  • Health and Health Behaviors/Behavior Change. This strategy improves individuals' physical and mental health and their adoption of healthy behaviors (e.g., healthy eating, physical activity).
  • Utilization. This strategy improves the extent to which individuals and communities use available healthcare services.

Detailed Outcomes. For specific outcomes related to each study supporting this strategy, access the peer-reviewed evidence and read the Intervention Results for each study.

Intervention Type. Health Teaching (Education and Promotion) (Read more about intervention types and levels as defined by the Public Health Intervention Wheel).

Intervention Level. Community-Focused

Examples from the Field. Access descriptions of ESMs that use this strategy or aligned components.

Sample ESMs. Here are sample ESMs to use as models for your own measures using the RBA framework (see The Role of Title V in Adapting Strategies).

Quadrant 1:
Measuring Quantity of Effort (“What/how much did we do?”)

  • Number of fathers/partners who receive education on breastfeeding support. (Measures the reach of father/partner-focused educational efforts) Number of father/partner-focused breastfeeding classes for workshops offered. (Quantifies opportunities for fathers/partners to learn breastfeeding support skills)

Quadrant 2:
Measuring Quality of Effort (“How well did we do it?”)

  • Percent of breastfeeding education materials that include of a variety of family structures and father/partner roles. (Assesses integration of multiple perspectives in creation of educational content) Percent of father/partner breastfeeding education that incorporates adult learning principles and interactivity. (Measures the use of effective educational strategies)

Quadrant 3:
Measuring Quantity of Effect (“Is anyone better off?”)

  • Number of healthcare providers who routinely engage fathers/partners in breastfeeding education during prenatal care. (Measures father/partner engagement in health care settings) Number of employers providing breastfeeding education and support for fathers/partners in the workplace. (Assesses father/partner engagement in employment settings) Number of breastfeeding challenges (e.g., latch issues, milk supply) resolved with father/partner support. (Shows the direct impact of partner assistance on breastfeeding issues) Number of mothers with supportive partners who breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. (Links partner support to achievement of a key breastfeeding duration goal)

Quadrant 4:
Measuring Quality of Effect (“How are they better off?”)

  • Percent of father/partner breastfeeding education resources available in the languages spoken in the community. (Assesses linguistic usability of education) Percent of breastfeeding support groups and services that welcome and accommodate fathers/partners from a variety of backgrounds. (Measures the involvement of multiple perspectives) Percent of fathers/partners from communities facing economic barriers who receive breastfeeding education and support services. (Assesses reach and impact of efforts among families experiencing economic challenges) Percent increase in breastfeeding initiation and duration among families where fathers/partners were actively engaged, compared to baseline. (Measures population-level impact)

Note. When looking at your ESMs, SPMs, or other strategies:

  1. Move from measuring quantity to quality.
  2. Move from measuring effort to effect.
  3. Quadrant 1 strategies should be used sparingly, when no other data exists.
  4. The most effective measurement combines strategies in all levels, with most in Quadrants 2 and 4.

Learn More. Read how to create stronger ESMs and how to measure ESM impact more meaningfully through Results-Based Accountability.

References

1 Evidence for this strategy includes:

Wolfberg AJ, Michels KB, Shields W, O’Campo P,Bronner Y, Bienstock J. Dads as breastfeeding advocates: results from a randomized controlled trial of an educational intervention. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004; 191:708-712.
Arora S, McJunkin C, Wehrer J, Kuhn P. Major factors influencing breastfeeding rates: mother’s perception of father’s attitude and milk supply. Pediatrics. 2000; 106:E67.
Libbus K, Bush TA, Hockman NM. Breastfeeding beliefs of low-income primigravidae. Int J Nurs Stud. 1997;34:144-150
Sihota, H., Oliffe,J., Kelly, M.T., & McCuaig, F. (2019). Fathers’ Experiences and Perspectives of Breastfeeding: A Scoping Review. American Journal of Men’s Health.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U02MC31613, MCH Advanced Education Policy, $3.5 M. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.