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Chicago, IL – A new study has found that fathers who take at least two weeks of paternity leave after their child’s birth are significantly more likely to report longer breastfeeding duration. The research, conducted by scientists at Northwestern University and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, underscores the crucial role fathers play in breastfeeding success.
The study, published in BMC Public Health, analyzed father-reported data in the U.S. to assess the impact of paternity leave on breastfeeding rates. According to the findings, fathers who took two or more weeks off were 31% more likely to report their infant being breastfed at eight weeks, compared to those who took less than two weeks. Additionally, among families who initiated breastfeeding, those where fathers had at least two weeks of leave had a 25% higher rate of continued breastfeeding at eight weeks.
Fathers’ Role in Breastfeeding Success
Lead author Dr. John James Parker, an assistant professor of pediatrics and medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of paternal involvement.
“Our study shows fathers play a key role in breastfeeding success—and time off lets them provide crucial support when it matters most,” Parker said. He noted that fathers can help by taking on responsibilities such as changing diapers, burping, rocking, and feeding expressed milk, all of which become more manageable when they have sufficient leave.
Disparities in Access to Paid Leave
The study also highlighted disparities in access to paid leave, with white fathers more likely to receive paid leave compared to fathers from other racial and ethnic groups. Of the 240 employed fathers surveyed in Georgia, 73% reported taking some form of leave, but only around 50% received paid leave. Those with paid leave were more likely to take at least two weeks off, reinforcing the role of financial security in enabling fathers to be present during the crucial postpartum period.
Paternity Leave Policies in the U.S.
Despite the benefits of paternity leave, the U.S. continues to lag behind other high-income countries in offering paid parental leave. A 2022 study found that only 13% of employers provide paid paternity leave to all male employees, with most fathers who receive paid leave taking only one week or less. While 13 states and Washington, D.C., have passed paid family leave laws, only nine states have fully implemented them.
Dr. Parker, who is also a father of three, reflected on how his personal experiences influenced his research. “When I became a father, I realized how absent dads were from the conversation. In medical training, no one talked about involving dads or why that mattered,” he said. His pediatrician’s advice on supporting his wife with breastfeeding was a turning point that shaped how he now counsels fathers in his medical practice.
Conclusion
The study’s findings highlight the positive impact of paternity leave on breastfeeding success and underscore the need for improved leave policies to support new parents. As more research emerges on this topic, policymakers may be encouraged to prioritize paid parental leave to ensure better health outcomes for both infants and their families.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Readers should consult healthcare professionals or legal experts for guidance specific to their circumstances.
