Breastmilk has been proven by several studies to be beneficial to the newborn baby and the mom. Also, most breastfeeding moms find breastfeeding as bonding between a mom and her newborn baby.
However, not all dads or partners know how to support moms while they nourish their newborn baby. Especially for breastfeeding moms who find it difficult to feed their children, support from dads and partners is crucial.
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Here are some of the tips on how dads and partners can help support breastfeeding moms:
Parents should learn about the breastfeeding process before the baby arrives.
According to Nigel Sherriff of the University of Brighton, when dads or partners are involved in understanding the process of breastfeeding, they will also understand how important their role will be.
It would also be best if the dads or partners will learn all about these through trained professionals.
The dads should try attending classes about breastfeeding.
It may look like breastfeeding is solely a job for moms. However, dad can also help by learning the positioning of a newborn baby during breastfeeding.
Their knowledge during a 3 am feeding for the baby will surely come in handy.
Dads or partners should help in doing domestic work.
In as much as moms would like to do everything in the home, a little hand from the partners in matters like household chores can already be a big show of support in the breastfeeding journey of the mom and the newborn baby.
Dads or partners should encourage moms.
One of the most sensitive topics for dedicated breastfeeding moms is probably switching to formula milk. For dads or partners, forcing this to happen might just discourage moms from breastfeeding. Staying positive about every day's progress can be a good show of support.
In the same way that partners do not nag moms about switching to formula, the same amount of respect should be given when the mom decides to stop breastfeeding their newborn baby.
Encourage moms to eat healthily.
Breastfeeding moms do not always need something fancy. However, if they are constantly eating healthy foods, they are not only taking care of their body but also the newborn baby's body.
Preparing a healthy meal or snacks will already be a great help.
Help moms when out in public.
When you are out in the public, dad or partners should also consider that their baby will be hungry anytime soon. That would mean that moms will need to find a place to breastfeed their newborn baby.
Showing support may also be displayed in small gestures like finding the place or considering a place conducive to breastfeeding.
