Focus
- Your understanding and support will help your partner learn to breastfeed.
- You can learn why breastfeeding is important, how to do it, and how to get help for your partner if you need it.
- Find practical ways to help you take care of your baby and do more work around the house.
Support your breastfeeding partner: why it matters
If your partner is learning to breastfeed, your enthusiasm and support will make a big difference.
If your partner is having a hard time breastfeeding, you can boost your partner’s confidence and help them overcome the challenges. This will help your partner to breastfeed for longer.
First things first: Learn about breastfeeding
One of the best things you can do is learn about the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding, and how to breastfeed. You can also take breastfeeding education classes in person or online together. This way, you can help your partner remember the facts about breastfeeding and overcome breastfeeding difficulties.
Here are some important things to know about breastfeeding:
- Breast milk is a natural, nutritious food for your baby. Breastfeeding protects your baby from illness and disease.
- Breastfeeding reduces your partner’s risk of developing diseases such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
- Breastfeeding is free and convenient.
- Most newborns nurse 8-12 times a day, and the length of time you breastfeed will vary. In the first few days of life, he or she may nurse for anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. Breastfeeding takes time, practice and patience to learn.
- Correct latch position and finding a good breastfeeding position are important.
Common breastfeeding problems your partner may experience include:
- Blocked milk ducts, local inflammation of the breast and mastitis
- High milk supply and large breasts
- Breast milk is very little
- It removes breast milk and bites the baby
- Sore nipples and nipple infection.
How to help breastfeed your baby
You can bond with your baby even if you are not breastfeeding. Here are some ideas:
- Carry your baby in a sling or baby carrier, just carry your baby. Skin-to-skin contact can protect your baby and help you bond with your baby.
- Bathe or massage your baby. This will soothe your baby and provide a good bonding time.
- Hold your baby. This may be easier for you than for your breastfeeding partner. When your baby is fussy, the smell of your partner’s milk will cause your baby to seek out your partner’s breast instead of soothing himself.
- After feeding, burp your baby and change his diaper.
- Take your baby for a walk or just play between feedings. This will give your partner time to rest.
