Are you a breastfeeding mom whose partner is looking for ways to help? Share with them this article on ways to support your breastfeeding partner.
New mothers need lots of help and support in the early days of breastfeeding. Partners, grandparents, siblings, and friends all can play a critical role in meeting the needs of a new mother while she focuses on feeding her baby. But, support from a partner is especially important for breastfeeding success.
Why is it important to support your breastfeeding partner?
For her physical well-being. During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through lot while it works at growing and developing another human being. The work does not stop after pregnancy, especially if she chooses to breastfeed. She is likely to be physically exhausted as her body tries to meet the demands of breastfeeding. She needs to be physically well enough to breastfeed and provide optimal nutrition to your baby.
For her emotional well-being. Breastfeeding has plenty of emotional benefits for a mother, as she bonds with and finds peace with her baby during feedings. But a lack of support while breastfeeding – especially if there are any breastfeeding struggles – can have the opposite effect. Post-partum depression, stress and anxiety can all come about without the right support.
Ways to support your breastfeeding partner:
Change diapers
In the middle of the night when your baby wakes up, he likely will need a diaper change before feedings. Give your partner a few extra minutes of sleep by changing the baby’s diaper before handing him off to mom for feedings.
Burp the baby
Along with changing diapers before feedings, you can also offer to burp the baby after feedings. Again, this saves your partner some time and allows her to only focus on feedings.
Bathe the baby
This can be a big time-saver for your partner. Make yourself the official “baby bather” and take this task off your partner’s list. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your baby.
Calm the baby
Whenever the baby is fussy or uncomfortable, you can give your partner a break by offering to soothe him. Hold the baby skin-to-skin (no, this is not just for moms!). Walk, rock, swing, or cuddle the baby.
Take the baby
Even with a baby who is not fussy, sometimes your partner may just need a break. She may need a nap, to shower, or to just go for a walk outside. Give her some time alone sans baby to do just that.
Take care of the house
Since your partner will likely be wrapped up in breastfeeding and not have much time for anything else, she’ll need help with all her regular household duties. Offer to clean up, do the dishes, wash pump parts, cook, do laundry or anything else that needs to be done around the home. If you have a hard time with any of these tasks, hire some help!
Take care of the other children
If you have other children in the home, they still have needs that must be met. And your partner may not have the time or energy to meet those needs while breastfeeding in the early days. Offer to transport your other kids to their activities. Take charge of the morning and bedtime routines. Take your other children to the park or find other activities to keep them occupied when your partner can’t.
Limit visitors
Your partner needs to rest while breastfeeding, and it’s tough to entertain company when you’re exhausted. So be her bodyguard and limit visitors. Encourage only people who will come over and be helpful, not those who expect to be entertained.
Treat her
Plan something special for her to do alone or along with her – just the two of you. Give her a massage. Stock the house with her favorite foods. Buy her a special gift. Anything to make her day.
Ask her what she needs
Many breastfeeding moms will tell you exactly what they need help with during the process. Instead of making assumptions, ask your partner for specifics on ways you can help. You may be surprised!
Offer encouragement
Although breastfeeding is a natural process, it can come with its challenges. Be a cheerleader for your partner, offering encouragement when she needs it. Let her know she’s doing a great job. Motivate her to keep going to meet her breastfeeding goals when things get tough. Listen to her. Just being there for her can make a big difference, when she realizes she is not in this alone.
Partners of breastfeeding mothers can sometimes feel left out of the mother-baby bonding experience. But it does not have to be that way! Your breastfeeding partner needs your help and support for her physical and emotional well-being while breastfeeding. And playing an active role with your baby can help you to bond in other ways. It’s a win-win situation. I hope these tips helped you to find a few new ways you can support your breastfeeding partner.
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If you love these tips, be sure to check out my 75+ page digital library, filled with step-by-step instructions and the tools you need to learn the basics and adapt to life while breastfeeding, troubleshoot breastfeeding problems, go back to work while breastfeeding, wean – and so much more!
