Dads Can Support Breastfeeding Moms in Many Ways

Dads Can Support Breastfeeding Moms in Many Ways : Dads can really do a lot for breastfeeding moms when they are educated on the subject and know what their role should be. It used to be that only moms went to the nursing classes, but if you ask current day lactation consultants, they will tell you that they encourage dads to come too and many more are showing up.

One big help for breastfeeding moms to have their significant other in class with them is that they have someone else to remember what is being taught. It is not only up to her to remember the rules and tips and tricks of the art. After all, the mom is doing a lot during this time and has a lot on her mind so to have an extra pair of ears during the education process is a big help.

Another way dads can be supportive of their breastfeeding partner is to take care of them. Moms are so busy taking care of their newborn baby that they can often forget to take care of themselves. Good nutrition is essential for breastfeeding moms and often the breastfeeding schedule and the lack of sleep get in the way of getting well balanced meals into Mom. Making meals ahead of time and getting them into the freezer or refrigerator in Tupperware will be a big help for when Mom gets a chance to simply heat something up.

In the very first weeks of baby coming home from the hospital, you will find that everyone from family to friends to the woman that works at the post office want to come visit. This is nice, but really not conducive to a new mom and baby learning to breastfeed and trying to create a schedule. Here is where Dad comes in again. Dad can answer the door and either keep the visitors at bay with a snack or drink or politely ask if they could come back at a later day or time.

Dads other big new role could also be the house. More often than not it is the woman that takes the responsibilities for the laundry and the cleaning and the grocery shopping. Dads are capable and able to do these things and are really needed during this time. One thing to mention here is a warning for moms: do not criticize or get angry if he doesn't do it right the first time or exactly the way you would do it. If your husband is helping with a chore he is not familiar with then he needs your support and appreciation, not your criticisms. Supportive and helpful Dads can really make the transition into the breastfeeding lifestyle much easier.