Fathers and Partners are Crucial to the Breastfeeding Community

April 10, 2023 | Shatoria Townsend

ASTHO, with support from CDC, supports its State Physical and Nutrition (SPAN) recipients in implementing evidence-based breastfeeding policies and practice through its Breastfeeding Learning Community (BLC). The BLC helps states bolster their capacity to improve breastfeeding initiatives within their state health agencies. ASTHO’s Breastfeeding Virtual Learning Series showcases emerging topics to advance breastfeeding equity, which include diversifying the lactation workforce, sustaining breastfeeding centers, breastfeeding and incarceration, and breastfeeding and fatherhood.

ASTHO recently spoke with Samuel Walker, LLPC of Learn Lactate Grow’s (LLG) fatherhood initiative called “Java Jam,” a local organization dedicated to amplifying the lived experiences of men experiencing the birthing and lactation journey alongside their partners.

ASTHO
Breastfeeding provides a wide array of benefits for birthing people and babies, including serving as a protective measure in combating infant mortality. How are you and your organization influencing breastfeeding initiation and duration rates?

SAMUEL WALKER
LLG prides itself on influencing through an array of evidence-based modalities that include, but are not limited to, lactation consulting and support through counseling for the mother and birthing partners. We also provide information and resources to aid in breastfeeding challenges. What sets us apart from most organizations is that we are directly partnered with a childcare agency. This partnership allows us to not only impact the early childhood sector but allows us to always be up-to-date on breastfeeding education and support from a uniquely acquired lens.

ASTHO
Fatherhood involvement throughout the birthing and breastfeeding journey is of growing interest for achieving breastfeeding equity. How have you included fathers and partners throughout this journey?

WALKER
LLG understands that support from fathers and birthing partners is a vital part of success for the mother. Our “Java Jam” initiative works with fathers and partners to provide intensive information on how to support mother and baby. The information we provide is presented in forms of group sharing and individual counseling as it is needed. We found that educating the father/partner and providing simple details on the benefits of breastfeeding helps the mom, baby, and in some cases, the partner’s mental health tremendously. And it helps creating an equally deep relationship between father/partner and infant.

ASTHO
Paternal support eliminates many factors associated with poor birth outcomes. How do you help fathers and partners amplify their needs and support?

WALKER
We have conducted in-person and online informational conferences for moms and partners in conjunction with local community leaders, trained lactation conselors, and doulas. Although the conference was open to all, the information targeted the father/partners and how to best support breastfeeding moms. LLG also conducted community conversations in which only males, fathers, and partners were invited to attend, which provided a safe space to express the challenges they endure during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. The data collected from our conferences and community conversations helps us better serve our males, fathers, and partners communities.

ASTHO
Mental health is an emerging public health topic that affects many people including many fathers who experienced Paternal Perinatal Depression. How does your organization help provide access to mental health support services and resources that are specific to fathers and partners?

WALKER
LLG employs mental health professionals—also trained as lactation counselors—that specialize in mental issues related to breastfeeding, adjustment disorder, and an array of other complications that can arise during and post pregnancy. Our counselors provide both family and one-on-one counseling in person and online to make it convenient for our families.

ASTHO
Programs such as WIC (Women, Infants and Children) support mothers lactating and their infants. Why should state health agencies consider a partnership with an organization like LLG to promote and support integrating fathers and partners?

WALKER
It is vital to include organizations that are dedicated to including fathers throughout the time an infant is breastfeeding. Fathers are equally dedicated to ensuring their child has the best start to life. By engaging in a partnership with a father-, male-, partner-centered mission is essential for bringing together diverse skills and resources for more effective health promotion outcomes. A partnership of this caliber can increase the efficiency of the health and community service system by using complementary resources; effective collaboration results in win-win situations. Collaborating partners create flexible working environments where authority is shared, each person is challenged to do his/her best, and all are involved in improving the outcome, the service, and the community condition.