Fathers and Breastfeeding: The Early Weeks
When you think about breastfeeding you may picture a breastfeeding mother and baby together. What about breastfeeding and fathers? Are they as important? The answer is YES! A father’s role in a breastfeeding family is very important. This is especially true in the early weeks! After delivery mother and baby might have challenges with breastfeeding. Mother may feel worn out and overwhelmed. By helping out, father allows mother to focus on the important task of breastfeeding. The success of breastfeeding depends a lot on father’s love and support. Baby can then get the healthy benefits of breast milk!
Developing a Relationship with Your Breastfed Baby
Feelings of jealousy and of being left out are normal reactions for some fathers who have a newborn. This can be especially true when mother and baby are learning to breastfeed. The best way to deal with these kinds of feelings is for father to develop a bond with the new baby. Fathers can bond with their babies in different ways other than feeding. Spending time with their little one can develop special feelings between them. Baby needs a dad who loves and cares for her! There is a lot fathers can teach baby throughout life….this is only the beginning!
Impact of Fathers on Breastfeeding
It is amazing what fathers can do to help with baby! They need to know that they are just as important as mother. Father can learn the many things he can provide for mom and baby. For example, a father's support can help make breastfeeding easier. The more fathers understand about breastfeeding, the more help he is able to give. For example, if mother is ready to quit breastfeeding, father can give encouragement to keep on going. When he understands the benefits of breast milk he knows why it’s good to give it to baby. Research shows that fathers help mothers breastfeed longer and more exclusively.
