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Breast-feeding support: How a partner can help
What can I do to support my breast-feeding partner?
To help your partner breast-feed:
- Provide encouragement. Your attitude toward breast-feeding might influence your partner's decision to continue breast-feeding. Tell your partner that you support her decision to breast-feed. Remind her that you appreciate the effort involved.
- Make her comfortable. When your partner is breast-feeding, offer her a pillow, a blanket, a drink of water or anything else she might like to have nearby.
- Get involved in feedings. Carry the baby to your partner. Afterward, change the baby's diaper or help the baby go back to sleep.
- Care for the baby. Offer to care for the baby, or other children at home, so your partner can nap between feedings.
- Take on additional household responsibilities. Consider redividing your household tasks so that your partner has more time to rest.
- Stick around. Breast-feeding is a warm and loving activity. Sit nearby your partner and enjoy the moment together.
- Listen. Does your partner have breast-feeding concerns? If so, be a good listener. If necessary, encourage her to seek help from her health care provider or a lactation consultant.
What else can I do?
Your partner and your baby will develop a special bond during breast-feeding. At times you might feel jealous of their connection. Remember that the bond between you and your baby is important, too.
Give your baby plenty of cuddles, hugs and skin-to-skin contact. Sing songs, take walks or play games that are special to just you and your baby.
By spending time with your baby, you'll develop your own unique relationship.
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References
- Riordan J, et al. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. 4th ed. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett Publishers; 2010:720.
- Younger Meek J, et al. New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Books; 2011:201.
- Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Academy of Pediatrics Policy. http://aappolicy.aappublications.org. Accessed July 17, 2012.
- Your guide to breastfeeding. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/breastfeeding-guide/BreastfeedingGuide-General-English.pdf. Accessed Oct. 4, 2012.
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