Breastfeeding Basics For Dads
Breastfeeding is normal and natural and like all other mammals we are designed to feed our babies. Healthy newborn infants are born with a host of natural reflexes and instincts that help them to breastfeed. As with many new adventures in life accurate information and a good support network can help make our journey an easier and more enjoyable one.
Breastfeeding is a team effort, and fathers play an important role. How can you offer support and encouragement?
Educate yourself about breastfeeding
Join your partner at a breastfeeding class to learn about how breastfeeding works and the benefits to your baby. Understanding the benefits of breastfeeding ensures that your partner receives your full support in what can be a tough first few weeks. Helping your partner with positioning of the baby and latch for feeding can also be really beneficial.
Skin-to-skin contact
After the birth, be with your partner while she is holding your baby in skin-to-skin contact. This is incredible family bonding time and great to get the baby get used to their parents environment.
Bond with your baby
After the birth, be with your partner while she is holding your baby in skin-to-skin contact. This is incredible family bonding time and great to get the baby get used to their parents environment.
Take care of your partner
Make sure mum is taking care of herself and give encouragement and listen to any concerns she has. The first few weeks of breastfeeding can be tough for new mums and having a supportive partner is linked to greater breastfeeding success. Many mums get very thirsty when feeding their little ones so bring her a glass of water and maybe turn on her favourite show!
Be flexible about sleeping
Night time can be busy as your baby feeds often so be flexible about sleeping so that you can be there for your partner as much as possible. Taking care of winding the baby after feeds or night time nappy changes is a great help to mum and another way to bond with your baby.
Help with bottle feeding
If mum chooses to pump some or all feeds for the baby, these bottles can be given to
the baby by dad. Often breastfed babies take bottles easier from someone other than mum so this is a great opportunity for dad and baby bonding. Cleaning and sterilising pump parts will always be appreciated too!
Take the good with the bad
Some days will be tougher than others and before you know it the newborn phase will be over. Enjoy the sleepy cuddles and skin to skin contact knowing that you’re giving your baby the best start.
