As a new dad and partner to a breastfeeding mom, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to navigate your new role and find ways to support your breastfeeding partner. Although you may not be the one in charge of feeding your little one, there are still many ways that you can be helpful. Here’s a list of 10 ways dads can support their breastfeeding partner:
Get educated
Educating yourself about the ins and outs of breastfeeding can help you understand the basics, learn why breastfeeding is important, and can arm you with valuable information to help your partner if obstacles present themselves. It’ll also show your partner that her breastfeeding journey is very important to you as well.
Help her latch
Latching is one of the biggest struggles for a new breastfeeding mom. Use the information you learned when you were educating yourself about breastfeeding to help your partner position baby for a proper latch. With you by her side, she’ll feel more confined and empowered to breastfeed your little one.
Be a helping hand
Your partner will be spending a lot of time sitting while nursing your baby. Bringing her food, water, her cell phone charger, etc. can be a big help. By anticipating her needs, you’ll be giving her one less thing to worry about and will make her transition into motherhood much easier.
Clean-up crew
Whether your partner is exclusively nursing or pumping as well, there’s no doubt that there will be lots to clean up. Washing burp rags, cloth diapers (if you use them), receiving blankets, pump parts, and baby bottles is a great way to be supportive and ensures that your partner always has access to clean equipment.
Be there
Breastfeeding can sometimes be a bit isolating for your partner, especially if you work outside of home. Being home alone all day with a new baby can leave your partner craving adult interaction. Be sure to engage with your partner, provide emotional support, or even just sit with her. Having someone there can make the world of a difference.
Speak up
As a new parent, it’s difficult to avoid unwanted advice or visitors. Visitors, strangers on the street, and family member will all want to share their parenting and feeding tips with you. Be sure to support your partners decision to breastfeed by responding to those that provide unwanted advice or opinions and enforce limits on visitation if your partner is tired. Your partner may feel a bit uneasy as she adjusts to motherhood and speaking for her shows may feel uncomfortable speaking up for herself at this time.
Diaper duty
What goes in, must come out. Your new baby will require lots of diaper changes. Be a team player by changing baby’s diapers whenever you’re home. Any help goes a long way.
Bring the baby
Keep an ear and eye out for baby’s hunger cues. If you notice them, it can be very helpful for you to bring baby to your partner for nursing sessions. Not having to get out of bed to get baby is a great way for your partner to conserve energy and get some much-needed rest.
Be her cheerleader
Everyone likes to hear that they’re doing a great job, especially a breastfeeding parent. Tell your partner how proud you are of her and how great she’s doing. She will likely be so occupied with the duties of being a new mother that she’ll forget to celebrate her accomplishments. Hearing them from you would mean the world to her.
Support her wishes
There may be times where your partner desires or needs to give Baby formula. Be sure to support her without shaming her or making her feel guilty. It’s likely that she already may feel feelings of guilt so hearing supportive words from you will make the decision easier.
