Breastfeeding 101: The Difference Dad Can Make

When it comes to breastfeeding, men typically think that it is strictly centered round the new mom and that their role is to be a silent observer. However, there are a number of tasks a new dad can take on to make breastfeeding easier and successful for a new mom and reap some healthy benefits for themselves.

Set the Tone

To ensure success in breastfeeding, dads can set the mood by creating a positive atmosphere for both mother and infant. This includes providing them with a comfortable area in the home that is quiet and away from daily household activity and the right accessories. Important accessories include supportive nursing pillows such as a Mombo nursing pillow, to provide better positioning for an infant to latch on properly and extra support for mom while she is feeding the baby, as well as an ample stock of breastfeeding supplies.

Provide Support

Words of encouragement and support from a new dad can be comforting. Breastfeeding comes with a number of challenges, especially at the beginning. A new mom will usually face doubts about her ability to produce enough milk or that she is doing it properly. A dad can play an important role by learning about the breastfeeding experience and offering tips or resolutions when problems occur.

Instead of feeling frustrated and giving up this important process, dads can help relieve the tension by encouraging her to not give up. New dads can also help by having the number to the local hospital where your infant was born in case questions arise, and also to various nursing support groups.

Interactive Help

While dads may not be able to actually nurse, they can feed their baby with a bottle of stored breast milk. This is especially helpful to give mom an occasional break. Also, after feeding, dads can walk and burp their infants to ease their discomfort and pain.

Bonding

Building a relationship usually comes easy to most moms because they carried the infant for nine months. Then, after they’re born, there’s the special bonding time that comes with breastfeeding. But new dads don’t have to be left out. There are a number of activities they can do to connect with their new baby. Holding your infant close after they’ve been fed can be stimulating to their senses.

Be sure to speak in soothing tones and make eye contact while you’re talking to them. You can also open up the learning process by reading to them. Although they won’t understand the story, they’ll become engaged and respond to your voice.

Dads can play a significant role in making the breastfeeding process easier for a new mom. They can be a key instrument in the success of a new mom nursing their newborn for a longer period of time, promoting many health benefits for both her and the baby. Also, this can build a special relationship with both mom and baby.

Lisa Coleman is a freelance writer and a mom of four who is always looking for ways to add support to relationships. She found having her husband help and using a supportive nursing pillow like a Mombo nursing pillow to be the greatest comforts during her success of nursing her little ones.