Uncovering the Husband's Role in Breastfeeding Support : Insights from a PRISMA Systematic Review

Abstract

Breastfeeding is a critical component in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
particularly those related to health and well-being (SDG 3), poverty eradication (SDG 1), and hunger elimination (SDG 2). Globally, the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is a top priority for improving child and maternal health and reducing the economic burden on families and health systems. As of 2023, only about 44% of infants worldwide were exclusively breastfed for the first six months, highlighting the need for increased efforts to reach global targets and leverage breastfeeding's benefits in preventing diseases and supporting optimal child development.
his study is a systematic literature review using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method to ensure objective selection processes. A systematic and comprehensive literature search was conducted on Scopus to identify and evaluate relevant high-quality articles. Keywords used included combinations related to the role of husbands or partners in supporting breastfeeding. The initial search yielded 849 articles, narrowed down to 126 after applying various criteria, including publication year, subject area, document type, and open access status. Further screening based on title and abstract resulted in 27 articles for full-text review, all of which met the inclusion criteria.
Analysis of the 27 articles revealed significant insights into the role of husbands in supporting
breastfeeding. Key findings included the importance of emotional and practical support from husbands, the positive impact of husbands' involvement on mothers' confidence and breastfeeding duration, and the influence of husbands' gender-equitable attitudes on breastfeeding practices. Additionally, the presence of social and cultural support, appropriate education, and workplace accommodations were identified as crucial factors in promoting successful breastfeeding.
Husband support plays a vital role in breastfeeding success. Active involvement of husbands can alleviate maternal stress, extend breastfeeding duration, and provide necessary emotional and practical assistance. Effective interventions should include educating fathers, fostering supportive environments, and enhancing access to breastfeeding facilities. These measures, coupled with robust policies and community awareness campaigns, can significantly contribute to achieving higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding, multimately improving maternal and child health outcomes.