Be Her Cheerleader
Breastfeeding is really hard. Everyone seems to talk about it like it is the most natural thing in the World. It is natural for our bodies to breastfeed, but it takes quite a bit of learning and practice before you have it down. Mom will definitely remember that Dad was her biggest supporter during the struggles.
Help Mom Relax
If mom isn’t relaxed, she’ll have more problems and end up wanting to quit. To me, relaxed means I have these things in reach: remote, laptop and/or phone, a drink, a snack, and an extra blanket for my munchkin’s inevitable spit-up. Dad can also run a hot bath for Mom or give her a nice massage occasionally.
Feeding
Though Mom is breastfeeding, Dad can still feed the baby. Most Moms will pump to store some milk for a time that they are unable to nurse. If Mom knows that you can feed the baby, she’ll appreciate it and feel a big relief knowing that it doesn’t all fall on her (even if she’s the one supplying all the milk). This also means that Dad can feed the baby in the middle of the night and let Mom sleep a little extra. However, if Mom wants to feed baby during the night, Dad can bring her the baby so Mom can nurse with out ever having to leave the bed! My husband almost always brought me the baby when he would wake up, it was amazing and helped so much!
Do Some Extra Housework
Did you know that stress can harm Mom’s milk supply? It might surprise you the amount of time that breastfeeding a baby can take. If Mom is nursing the baby all day, she probably is not getting to the million other things that need done around the house. Doing laundry, dishes, or cooking dinner can help tremendously. These are all things that Mom worries about while nursing the baby, but Mom can’t get up and do them. Less stress for Mom, means more milk for baby.
Educate Yourself
Although breastfeeding is a Mom and Baby experience, both can benefit from Dad’s knowledge. Most hospitals offer breastfeeding classes. You may not think you need one, but go. Mom and Dad will both receive a lot of great advice and information in these classes. Dad can also pick up a breastfeeding book to peruse, too!
If Mom or baby is having trouble with breastfeeding, find a lactation consultant. When you visit the lactation consultant, Dad should go too. Mom is always looking at Baby from the same angle when attempting to nurse. Dad can watch what the lactation consultant does, how she positions Mom and baby, and he can help match that once you’re back at home. By knowing the facts about breastfeeding, Dad will also become Mom’s advocate and speak up for her if he ever needs to.
Just because a baby breastfeeds on Mom, does not mean that Dad cannot help.
Is your partner helping you breastfeed?
Motoristin Mutsi says
Great points you have here! I really hope many soon-to-become-a-daddy will read this.
brett says
my husband was a huge help. he’d always make sure I had a BIG cup of icy cold water when I was nursing, and the remote or my ipod touch or a book in case I got bored. theres’ a lot of ways dads can help
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
Great ways to involve Dad. I know with breastfeeding, some Dads feel left out.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
It can be a bit scary at first when you’re not sure you’re doing it right. I didn’t realize stress could impact the supply, but that does make sense that it would.
shellthings says
Great ways to involve dad. It helped when my husband would get up to bring the baby to me for night feedings.
aimeed says
i’ve never breastfed but have had daycare moms that did and YES dad’s play an important role.. Even if it is waking up, changing the diaper and bring the baby to you.
Robin Rue says
I never breastfed, but my husband was always involved in feeding the babies. THere is no reason a man can’t do his part!
Krissy Higgins says
I love the ‘do extra housework’ tip. Breastfeeding is great for the kids, but so physically exhausting on the Mom. I felt like I had to be super Mom, yet I had less time because of how long breastfeeding took.
redheadbabymama says
What about being the “gopher”?! Go- for water. Bring me a burp cloth! My husband was always SO helpful!
Krystal says
This is a great discussion. My husband attending a breastfeeding workshop to get more information.
Jenni E. says
Having dad help with feeding is SUCHHHH a help. Especially for first time moms who are already so overwhelmed with it all. Great tips here!
Mandy Young Carter says
Just being there for helping me when I needed things was the biggest assistance. At first my son was not open to a bottle, so my husband physically could not help for months. I personally would not like for him to be my cheerleader though because he could never understand how hard it really is.
Alison L. Hayes says
After breastfeeding my son and all the things that came with it, I decided not breastfeed my daughter. It was just to much, I was young and didnt get the support I needed at the time.
SippyCupMom says
These are great tips for Dad! I’m happy to say my husband was my number one support!
Chelsea says
These are really great suggestions. I will definitely be expecting some of these things when I have my first child!
Kimmiekinkins says
What a great help this would be to any mom!
ToniPatton says
I love these tips. I think all of them are so important. I loved when hubby helped extra around the house.
Chrysa Duran says
Great tips. This would be helpful for any couple thinking about breastfeeding.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
So true. Glad to help dads with the tips to helps mom. It can wonderful and stressful to have a baby. And any help would always be appreciated for any mom!!
Karen Koblan says
Great ideas. Very helpful for new mom’s to be!
jaimemckee says
I totally agree with each of these points! I breastfed my son for two years, and my husband was a huge help (and supporter!)
Rachael Ebner says
These are good ways dads can help with breastfeeding. I breastfed my daughter for three years. Her father (my ex-husband) wasn’t any help at all though.
Kecia says
This is so true! I think it’s important for dads to find a way to be involved, even if the mom does the majority of the work. Support is always good!
♡ Toodies Momma ♡ says
I think it is great to involve daddys in breastfeeding. They can definitely help out by doing all of the things you listed.
Zoe B says
I love this. So nice to see how Dad’s can get involved too. A great form of bonding too 🙂
Susanna Barbee says
I love when dads get involved! My hubs was super supportive (and slightly in awe) of the whole breastfeeding thing.
April Mims says
I love this idea! It’s so important for dads to be involved in their children’s lives in every way.
Tiffany C. says
I know when I breastfed our first my husband was really there for me. He brought me juice while i was nursing, ice packs for my sore boobs, a heating pad when I needed it and he was very encouraging. Great post.
traceynicole says
Great tips! I don’t have kids yet but I firmly believe that it’s not just the mom’s responsibility.
Stefani says
What a great post for the breastfeeding moms. Thanks for sharing these tips.
Rachee says
When I breastfed my daughter’s dad was very supportive. During late night feedings he would get me a drink of water or help put the baby to bed.
Cassie Tucker says
I know a lot of dads that were like “what exactly can *I* do if my wife is doing all the work.” These were a lot of great tips and ways that the husbands can help as well 🙂
Lisa says
My husband was amazing when I was breast feeding the twins. He would get up with us night, do a lot of the housework and was very supportive. I couldn’t have done it as long as I did without him. -Lisa-
Dina Demarest says
great ideas for you Dads. You can help and it’s important for you to help.
mail4rosey says
My DIL just told me about stress affecting breast milk. I hadn’t heard it until then, but it does make sense.
ElizOF says
Your hubby holding the baby is so beautiful… I love your list of how hubby’s can help. Hope they all read this.
Terin Aleah Garrett says
These are great tips! Sharing them with some friends of mine who are breastfeeding!
Jennifer Bullock says
Love this post! My husband helped a lot when I was nursing my girls. Thanks for posting.
Debi@The Spring Mount 6 Pack says
I love this. I could have used it when I was breastfeeding.
gogrowgo says
These are such great tips for dads. I was so thankful to have such a supportive husband through that.
Christina Shirley says
I have pinned your post as it is one of those things I hear a lot – Dads feel excluded when Mum breastfeeds – will show them this !
Christina Shirley says
Thanks! There’s no way I could’ve done it if it weren’t for my husband.