Dad's Supportive Role In Breastfeeding

June 16, 2015

Dad's Supportive Role In Breastfeeding

Dad's supportive role in Breastfeeding

Dad's supportive role in breastfeeding

How dad's can help with breastfeeding baby and ways to make him feel more included and valued. 

In celebration of father's everywhere, we're discussing the indispensable role that dads can play in supporting mums breastfeed baby with 16 tips for getting involved. 

1. Proactive educated support
If your partner/wife decides to breastfeed your baby, be proactive and positive about supporting her decision. Become educated on the subject by attending a breastfeeding course with her (usually part of your antenatal group). Although breastfeeding is a natural thing, it’s a learning curve for everyone and comes with challenges. Learn about common breastfeeding problems so that you can help diagnose any issues and find her the right help to overcome them. Learn about your baby's feeding cues to ensure you're ready to pass baby to mum at the right time. Keep breast-feeding helpline, breastfeeding counsellor or health visitor's numbers to hand in case she needs to seek professional help. Help by giving mum & baby the best start with your educated support. 

2. Buy her some nursing clothes

Just like selecting the right tool for the job, buying mum some breastfeeding clothes that are fit for purpose, is one of the most thoughtful things you can do. Nursing clothes are designed to fit and flatter post natal bodies with their extra curves and larger breasts. They have areas cut out for nursing access and offer a level of discretion when breastfeeding so that her breasts and stomach are not on full show. If you're unsure what she'd like, buy her a twin pack of lace trim soft scoop nursing vests that she can wear for day or night and combine with her other clothes to create her own look. They make the perfect gift especially as she won't have to think about choosing them herself! 

3. Household chores
You will soon see that breastfeeding is time consuming. A growth spurt could mean mum is nursing all day long in response to baby’s hunger cue’s, which in turn builds up her milk supply to meet the increased demand. So a little help around the house will be much appreciated by her. Do some laundry (see our Laundry Care Guide for how to tackle breastmilk, silk and baby poo stains), go food shopping, prepare some healthy meals, clean the loo and change the bedding every 3 or 4 days (it’s likely to be saturated in breastmilk from night feeds or leaks). 

4. Be her extra hands
Whilst she’s breastfeeding, ask her what she needs whilst she's stuck in one place  nursing. Offer to reposition her support pillows, bring her a glass of water and a healthy snack, ensure she has the tv remote, book or mobile device to hand for her own entertainment whilst she nurses. Keep her company, share the journey. 

5. Compliment her
New mums can feel very anxious about whether they are adequate at breastfeeding with sleep deprivation (from night feeds) and post birth recovery further exacerbating these concerns. So ensure you tell her she’s doing a wonderful job nursing your baby - without being prompted and not just when she’s exhausted and having a ‘down’ day. Tell her she looks beautiful. Heartfelt compliments will raise mum’s spirits and encourage her to continue breastfeeding.

6. Encourage her to sleep
As a general rule, mums are advised to sleep when baby sleeps. This is said to aid post birth recovery, catch up on sleep lost during night feeds and build up her milk supply. And whilst she may feel like she has a hundred other chores to get on with whilst baby naps, encourage her to take at least one nap a day herself. Assure her you will wake her for baby’s next feed, allowing her to nap with peace of mind.

7. Provide distraction
Whilst mum settles herself into a comfortable nursing position, amuse/distract your hungry baby with with a few funny faces or raspberry kisses. This will ensure your baby is awake and alert for a full feed and give you a few precious moments of daddy time together whilst mum positions herself ready.

8. Changing
Babies need changing often, and sometimes it involves a full set of clothes too! You can be in charge of nappy changes day and night. And whilst mum may want to change her fair share, offer to change your baby, especially before/after a feed if it's required and especially during the night whilst you're on paternity leave.

9. Winding 
After a feed, offer to wind your baby. Figure out which way burps your baby best. Try over the shoulder, sitting upright, upright stirring or 'leopard in a tree'. And be sure to have a muslin cloth or two to hand to mop up any spit-ups! 

10. Bathtime
Bathtimes can be a great time you to take the driving seat, even after you’ve returned to working full time. Enjoy a little splash time with your little one, get them used to water, clean them and play silly games. Allow mum to have a few moments alone-time or let her keep you company whilst you do the physical part. 

11. Washing & Sterilising
Help by keeping the breastpump and bottles washed and sterilised ready for use. 

12. Amuse older siblings
Older siblings often feel left out with the arrival of a newborn and will compete for mums attention. Offer mum and newborn the opportunity to establish breastfeeding whilst you play with the elder sibling making them feel included and loved. You could all snuggle up together or make feeding time the sibling's 'special' time for playing independently nearby. 

13. Bonding
There are so many ways in which you can nurture the bond between you and your baby without having to feed them. You can resettle them back in their crib or play with them with their toys. You could give your baby a cuddle or enjoy some skin to skin contact with them.  You can soothe baby with songs or stories. Or you can take baby for a walk in the pram between feeds. You play such an important role as the father to your baby. 

14. In public
Mums often feel anxious about feeding in public places despite their legal right entitling them to. Be her human shield to protect her from prying or judgemental eyes and offer a level of privacy and discretion for her as baby latches on or off. Then carry on as normal. If anyone has the audacity to say anything negative be ready to counteract with a positive comment about how well she is doing and avoid an altercation that will leave her humiliated further.

15. Accept change in level of intimacy 
Some mums find they don't wish to have their breasts touched whilst they are fulfilling their role nourishing your baby whilst other mums may feel self conscious about leaking milk during sex. If in doubt, ask her permission first and support her preference. Breastfeeding doesn't last forever and you'll soon get back to how things were before.

16. Natural conclusion
When mum feels it's time to stop breastfeeding, applaud her for her efforts and the invaluable start she gave your child. Support her as she weans baby off the breast. This may mean that you need to step in to soothe baby away from the residual smell of breastmilk on mum or settle them to sleep if feeds have usually led naturally into bedtime. However tough or enjoyable breastfeeding has been, appreciate that mum may be feeling rather emotional about giving it up and be ready to offer moral support, reassuring her that many other bonding experiences will come her way.

So Dads, never underestimate the role you can play in bringing up your baby - you're truly invaluable and we salute you! Happy Father's Day!

Charlotte Keating Nursingwear & MaternityCharlotte Keating Nursingwear & MaternityDaddy & BabyPrecious<3A sweet snuggle with daddy. #daddyandme #papaandme #father #fatherhooddaddy and babybaby & dad fingersDaddy's Kiss - Colby Elizabeth Photographynew baby & dadnew dadModern newborn photos by Erin Hearts Court | 100 Layer Cakeletadvice for dadsleopard in a tree holdNewborns first picture in the hospital. So cute! and a good way to get mom in the shot without a close up loldaddy & babynewborn photographydad and baby photo.Modern newborn photos by Erin Hearts Courtdaddy & baby footSee On

 





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