Struggling to Breastfeed? Breastfeeding is a team activity so bring your partner on board!
Today we will look at how your partner and family can support you with breastfeeding.
Even though a growing number of mothers start their babies on breast milk...only 1 out of 4 keep breastfeeding their baby for the first six months.
Why not stick it out longer? The biggest reason is not having enough breastfeeding support. This includes support from a lactation specialist or provider, support at the workplace or support at home.
Your partner and family can be the support at home that you need at home. This is not the time to hold back- ask for what you need and involve them in this journey.
TRUE! A breastfeeding mother needs support and encouragement even before the baby is born. So, it's important to involve your friends, family, and particularly your partner in the whole journey right from the beginning!
Here are some things you can do:
Become familiar with the breastfeeding basics. Ensure your family/partner knows what's in store during your child's first days. Read together so you BOTH are prepared!
Set objectives. Sit down together to come up with your childbirth plan and breastfeeding goals. This will assist you with getting on the same page about what breastfeeding success looks like.
Attend a breastfeeding class together. The more your partner and family learn about breastfeeding, the more they can support you later on.
Even if your partner or family was not involved in breastfeeding classes before the delivery...it’s not too late to get them involved after.
Supportive behaviors from partners like knowledge, help, encouragement and responsiveness can play an important role in your breastfeeding journey. Ask your partner to be present and involved with breastfeeding.
Knowledge: If your partner or you did not attend breastfeeding classes before delivery that’s okay.
Review some basic tips with your partner.
Attend a postpartum class together.
Consult with a lactation counselor so that both of you can understand the basics of latching.
Help: Here is some practical support from partners and family. Of course, they can always ask you what you need or just offer up assistance.
They can bring some tea or snacks while your nurse.
They can help you position yourself with pillows, so your back is comfortable.
Partner can be the 'soother-in-chief' — answerable for burping, diaper changes, wrapping up, and cleaning the infant so you can get extra rest in between.
Help out with the needs of other kids, if this is not your first.
Encouragement: Emotional support is equally as important!
Your partner or family member can:
Sit with you (if you are okay with that) while you nurse. Sometimes nursing can feel isolating.
Be a listening ear so you may verbalize how challenging breastfeeding is and get emotional reassurance
Make time in the day so that you can focus on mental wellness. This may be in the form of a shower, taking a walk, having some quiet time or nap (whatever you may need)
Responsiveness: Responsive relationship partners convey understanding, validation, and caring.
Your partner should:
Be sensitive to your needs.
Listen and try to understand how you are feeling.
Speak with compassion and warmth
Be empathetic
Yes, they can!
But it's a good idea to wait 4-6 weeks until breastfeeding is really established before starting a bottle now and then.
What's more, when your baby proceeds onward to solid food, there are so many ways the daddy can engage with that…chopping, mashing, tidying up all the food that winds up on the floor!
At the end of the day…
Do not underestimate the enormous difference a partner's help can make in a mother's breastfeeding journey. Partners who are present and involved during breastfeeding while also being responsive and sensitive to the needs of mothers, have been shown to help improve breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is a team sport...and with everyone on board, you can face any challenge that breastfeeding throws your way!
MaternalWell text support is here for you for any general questions or reach out to our licensed lactation counselor for a private consultation!
