The paternal influence in the process of breastfeeding: an integrative review of the literature

The purpose is to analyze the influence of the paternal figure for the handling of breastfeeding. It is about an integrative review, made in the following database: LILACS, MEDLINE and PUBMED, during February and March 2018, with the following guiding question” In what way the paternal figure may influence and/or contribute for the success of breastfeeding?”.The inclusion conditions were: be written in the Portuguese, English or Spanish language; and be fully available and for free. The following data were excluded: editorial, monograph, dissertation or thesis; and articles that were duplicated. After the selection and analysis of the complete articles, 13 studies fit the research proposal.The articles had as publication interval the years of 2005 to 2017. From the 13 works, 76.9% were developed in the American Continent, being 61.5% in Brazil and 15.4% in the USA; 15.4% were developed in Oceania and 7.7% in the Asian continent. Therefore, studies mentioned the forms that the father could contribute, with a highlight to the psychological support, gathering information and orientation about the theme, support in the activities, household tasks and financial support. It shows the importance of the educative process so that the fathers may contribute adequately and efficiently, allowing an active involvement in breastfeeding.