No matter how modern and empowered women have become in the past few decades, one thing that has remained a constant for women is their ability to breastfeed babies successfully. It is still seen as just a ‘mom’s job’. However, a supportive partner can be the game-changer in the initial journey of parenthood. 

The role of dads in the breastfeeding journey has only recently been discussed, as more men are taking an interest in being present and emotionally involved during this crucial phase. From learning about breastfeeding basics and helping their wives during night feeds, fathers have come a long way. Today’s compassionate fathers have shown what support means when the new mother feels tired and broken.

Why Does His Support Matters?

Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for a baby for up to 2 years. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and recommends continuing it beyond 2 years, if possible. Concerning such an important thing, the role of dads becomes pivotal. Dads need to be active supporters for the new mommies. They should encourage and provide hands-on help to mothers whenever required. This can boost the mother’s confidence, and she feels safe with the new responsibility of nursing a tiny baby. When fathers are involved, breastfeeding no longer remains a mom’s job; it becomes a shared responsibility of parenthood that lays the foundation for a healthy, happy life of a baby.

Research studies have shown that a father’s attitude and knowledge are significant in the successful breastfeeding journey of their wives. Dads can offer suggestions on starting and continuing feeding, including its benefits for both the mother and the baby. Moreover, they can support their wives in many other ways -

• Can offer emotional encouragement when the wife feels low and tired

• Dads can take up household responsibilities so that wives feel less tense and can continue feeding calmly

• Help the mother during nighttime feedings, burping, or diaper changes

• Dads can offer suggestions on healthy diet plans for the mother

• Can assist moms in understanding baby’s hunger cues

• Assist her and make her comfortable while breastfeeding in public places

The best thing dads can do is be there for new mothers, emotionally. They can lend their helping hands whenever required, without judging their wives' ability, and share the new parenting responsibilities with open arms.

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Dads should encourage open communication with their partner so that she can feel safe to share her problems and concerns with them. Words of kindness can support her in times of self-doubt and anxiety. A shared understanding and open, collaborative communication can resolve the issues of a nursing mother. 

Give Reassurance: 

First-time moms live in confusion and anxiety when it comes to nursing their little ones. They feel unsure whether their baby is getting enough milk or whether they are doing everything right. In these moments of emotional turmoil, dads can support their wives with constant reassurance. They can offer kind words of encouragement and boost the new mother’s confidence. In moments of doubt, just letting the mother know that she is doing a great job helps a lot. 

Invest Time In Learning About Breastfeeding Together: 

As a sign of support and understanding, dads should invest time in learning about how breastfeeding works, such as latch and positioning, or how to comfort the woman while she is feeding. New dads can sit with their wives and research stuff on the internet or read parenting books for further knowledge. This shared learning experience can improve their relationship and also equip them with the meaningful support that they need.

Help Her With Household Chores: 

First-time mothers often struggle with time management, feeling overwhelmed as they juggle feeding schedules with household tasks and other aspects of baby care. Dads can help by sharing responsibilities like meal preparation, washing baby clothes, and diaper changes. Lack of personal care can lead to exhaustion, leaving mothers feeling tired. In such a situation, dads can offer help with complete baby care, allowing them to rest and only get up when feeding time is due. This not only helps the mother to recover physically but also gives them the emotional support that they need the most. 

Help With Nighttime Feeding And Baby Care: 

Sleep deprivation is a significant challenge for new mothers. They need to wake up multiple times at night, either to feed the baby, change soiled diapers, or help the baby fall asleep again. Dads can play an important role here. They can help with tasks like changing baby diapers or rocking them to sleep, allowing mothers to rest for a while. When the baby is hungry, they can bring the baby to the mother for feeding. Sharing the workload of a new mom prevents burnout and aids in quicker postpartum recovery.

Be Present For Her Emotionally: 

Due to hormonal changes and a tired body, new mothers are always emotionally overwhelmed. They suffer from mood swings, anger, and sudden outbursts that are often without an immediate trigger. An emotionally attentive dad at this time can be a big support system for the new mom. They can listen patiently to her concerns and can resolve the problem. They can make her feel good by being emotionally present and letting her know that he is there for her, now and always. The new dad’s non-judgmental attitude and compassion can lessen the mother’s anxiety and make her feel supported wholeheartedly. 

Support Her Choices And Decisions: 

The journey of breastfeeding is not the same for everyone. Some mothers choose direct feeding, while others use breast pumps. Dads shouldn’t judge her choices; instead, they should support her choices and decisions. Since her decisions deserve respect, a mutual discussion can happen about the mode of feeding. Moreover, if the mother is working, she should be given the choice between the breast-pump method and a mixed type. Dads should avoid giving their opinions and respect their wives’ preferences and comfort. 

Create A Calm Home Environment: 

A chaotic and disorganized household can cause stress for the mother, making breastfeeding more challenging.  Dads can step in to create a peaceful home where empathy prevails and no one in the house shows judgment regarding the new mother’s choices. They can handle daily routines and ensure the mother has a safe space to feel happy and experience the rewarding experience of breastfeeding her little one. There should be no fights and arguments, only laughter and smiles.

Taking Care Of Older Children Or Pets: 

If there are other children or a pet in the house, dads can ensure their complete care. This ensures that the mother is not distracted by other additional responsibilities and can peacefully feed and take care of her newborn baby.

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Bond With The Newborn:  

Dads can bond with their babies after feeding by playing with them or rocking them in their arms. This will give the mother some time to relax and rejuvenate herself. These moments can be an excellent opportunity for the father to connect with his newborn, also allowing short breaks to the mother that she needs the most.

Monitoring Baby’s Needs: 

Dads can keep track of baby’s feeding schedules, hunger cues, and wet diapers, and help moms in setting a pattern for feeding. This ensures good sleep for both the baby and the mother. They can also remind the mother to stay hydrated and eat small meals at regular intervals. Dads can act as a gentle caregiver for the mother in her most rewarding journey. 

Help In Public Spaces: 

Breastfeeding in public spaces poses a lot of problems to nursing mothers. Dads can play a role here by helping her find a clean, private space for feeding. He can also protect her from any remarks or comments that may arise in such places. In this way, dads can support their wives’ right to feed a baby anywhere, as per their convenience. 

Seeking Help For The Mother: 

A supportive husband and a compassionate father should remain well-informed about various breastfeeding issues that new mothers suffer, such as latching issues, clogged milk ducts, or mastitis. They should consult the lactating expert without delay for such matters, helping their wives get the timely guidance. 

Dads should play a proactive role in the new mother’s breastfeeding journey. They are the support systems that can turn the breastfeeding experience into a rewarding one. They can become the pillars of strength in times of distress by offering shared responsibilities and emotional support. Dads can play a vital role in creating a balanced parenting union for the newborn.