Friday, September 29, 2017

Dad's Role in Breastfeeding

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Often times dad's can feel left out in the breastfeeding relationship between mother and child or they feel useless but I put together a little list of ways dads can help during the breastfeeding journey.

Moral Support

The most important way a dad can help his wife in her breastfeeding journey with their children is to provide moral support. Breastfeeding can be challenging not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well. Be her cheerleader and thank her for continuing to sacrifice her body now that the baby is outside of the womb. If she is feeling discouraged about her milk supply, pick up a breastfeeding resource (I highly recommend The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding) and see if you can troubleshoot why she is feeling that way and if that still doesn't reassure her, contact your local IBCLC (find one here).

Make sure mom has water near her

As your wife is breastfeeding, fluids and energy is being pulled out of her body and the best thing for a healthy milk supply is for mom to stay hydrated so make sure she always has water near her.

Bring mom a snack

It's also important for her to maintain her energy so a small snack would be helpful too whether it's a granola bar, a rice cake or a handful of grapes.

Change baby's diaper

If the baby has a dirty diaper before or after the feeding, go ahead and take the initiative to change it so mom can get more down time.

Entertainment

Another extra way to help mom is to keep mom company while she breastfeeds, especially for those middle of the night feedings, if your work schedule allows it or you can make sure she has a good book or her phone/tablet nearby to keep her alert and entertained.

How have you helped your wife during her breastfeeding journey? Any other tips for how dad's can assist mom's who breastfeed?