Scientists Reveal What Paternity Leave Does for Moms—and It’s Eye-Opening – ryan

Fathers who take at least two weeks of leave after their child’s birth are significantly more likely to report their partners were breastfeeding for longer, according to new research.

The study, led by scientists at Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, found that dads who took at least two weeks off were 31 percent more likely to report their partners were still breastfeeding after their child had reached eight weeks. This was true even after adjusting for paternal, maternal and infant characteristics.

Published in BMC Public Health, the study is the first U.S.-based analysis of father-reported data to examine the influence of paternity leave on breastfeeding.

Lead study author Dr. John James Parker, an assistant professor of pediatrics and medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, was surprised by the strength of the connection between the findings.

“A 31-percent increase in breastfeeding at eight weeks is a large difference, and that this association remained significant after controlling for infant, paternal and maternal characteristics,” he told Newsweek. “With breastfeeding rates far below national goals, we need to evaluate and implement strategies to improve breastfeeding, including approaches to foster paternal involvement.”

Breastfeeding provides well-documented health benefits for both babies and mothers, but U.S. breastfeeding rates remain lower than recommended. Only 46.5 percent of infants are exclusively breastfed through three months.

The study analyzed data from the PRAMS for Dads survey, which collected responses from 240 employed fathers in Georgia. Among families who started breastfeeding, those where dads took at least two weeks of leave had a 25 percent higher rate of continued breastfeeding at eight weeks compared to those who took less time off.

So, why does paternity leave matter? Parker said hands-on father involvement can make all the difference.

“Fathers can support breastfeeding by taking on hands-on baby care—changing diapers, burping, rocking and feeding expressed milk—while also ensuring mothers get the nutrition, hydration and rest they need to recover,” Parker said.

“All these father-supportive activities are easier when fathers have more generous leave.”

While paternity leave benefits are clear, access to paid leave remains highly unequal. The study also found that white fathers were more likely to receive paid leave compared to fathers from other racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Among the fathers surveyed, 73 percent reported taking leave, but only half received paid time off. Those who had paid leave were significantly more likely to take at least two weeks off.

Parker also noted that families are not aware of the many ways fathers can support their partners in breastfeeding.

“Research consistently shows, when fathers help, breastfeeding is more successful. An easy way to address some of these culture norms is to share research and knowledge about the importance of fathers on family health outcomes. Many men don’t know how important they are in shaping the health and well-being of their families,” he said.

Parker’s own experience as a dad of three made him realize how absent fathers were from discussions about postpartum care.

A turning point came when his child’s pediatrician gave him practical tips on how to support his wife with breastfeeding.

“It made me feel part of the team,” he said. “Now, I do the same for the dads I work with.”

Reference

Parker, J. J., Simon, C. D., & Garfield, C. F. (2025). Fathers’ work leave and infant breastfeeding in a state-representative sample of fathers in Georgia, United States. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 767.