This post i all about How Dads can help during breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is exhausting but, a supportive and caring partner can share the burden and make it easy. As a dad, you might feel left out when your partner feeds your newborn but, there is a lot that you can do.
Encouraging your partner, helping with house chores, and taking care of the baby are a few ways to contribute.
According to a study, the rate to initiate and continue breastfeeding is 74% higher when fathers attend prenatal classes.
Mothers should also communicate their expectations with their partners and divide chores and responsibilities.
In this way, everyone can play a part in raising a happy family.
Read further to ways dads can help in the breastfeeding journey.
Tips for dads to help their partner during breastfeeding
You can make the breastfeeding journey easy for your partner by being supportive and caring towards her needs. There is no you and I in parenting. It is teamwork and, you must play a part in making things work.
Here are a few tips that can be helpful.
Before birth
- Attending breastfeeding classes: It is good to learn the breastfeeding basics with your partner. You can learn about different positions, ways to improve the baby’s latch, and correct posture for feeding.
- Lactation consultant appointment: Lactation consultants are professionals who guide you about breastfeeding and the issues that arise. The consultant can teach you ways to soothe your partner during breast engorgement, cracked nipples, and thrush.
- Breastfeeding goals: Communication is the key to successful parenting. It is a good idea to sit with your partner and design a birth and breastfeeding plan. It will help you be on the same page about breastfeeding as your partner.
- Visit the birthing center or hospital: You can visit the birthing center/ hospital before birth. The hospital staff can guide you about the breastfeeding facilities. You can also communicate your breastfeeding goals.
During the hospital stay
- Responsibility during the hospital stay: Dads should know that their partner has just given birth. She is physically and emotionally weak and vulnerable. Your support and care would mean a lot to her. If your partner faces difficulty while feeding, you can seek help from the staff.
- Stock up on snacks: Breastfeeding is tiring and exhausting. You can stock up healthy snacks for the feeding mama. She would love to munch on healthy snacks and replenish her energy during the feeds.
- Have skin-to-skin contact: Why should only mothers enjoy skin-to-skin contact with their bundle of joy? You should also have some skin to skin with your little one during feeds. It is the time when you can bond with your child and make him familiarize with your presence.
- Get the most out of lactation consultants:
- The lactation consultant will come and visit the mother during the hospital stay. That is an ideal time to ask about all the confusion and issues. Discuss everything with your partner and make a list of questions. Ask the consultant about everything to be more well-informed while leaving for home.
At home
- Prioritize your family: The early nursing days are the most tiring ones. At this vulnerable time, your partner needs you the most. You can cancel your plans for a few days and spend time with your family. Your presence would boost your partners’ motivation.
- Share responsibilities: There is a lot to do with a newborn baby. You can always help your partner in cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and outdoor chores.
- Limit visitors: Everyone wants to see your bundle of joy but, the dad must limit the visitors. If your partner is uncomfortable with many visitors, be polite and firm and refuse them from visiting.
- Encourage her: Your encouragement and kind words can make her feel on cloud number 9. Tell her how much proud you are and do something special for her.
- Plan date nights: I know date nights and hanging out seems like a dream after a newborn baby. But you can always go the extra mile and plan a movie or dinner date night at home. I am sure your partner would love to spend some quality time with you.
- Spend time with your child: You can play with your baby and help in diaper change, burping and sleep time.
- Support the working mother: If your partner wants to continue work, support her. There is nothing better than getting love and understanding from your partner regarding your work choices. You can also adjust your work routine accordingly to contribute to parenting duties.
- Defend your choices: You have to defend and respect your partner’s choice of breastfeeding. Many people would criticize your choice but, you have to defend against the negative comments.
- Taking care of the baby in the mother’s absence: If the mother is working or not present, you should care for the baby. Feeding expressed milk, taking them out for a walk, and taking care of them are a few ways to be helpful.
