Developing a Relationship with Your Breastfed Baby

Dads and Breastfeeding

Fathers often feel left out of the breastfeeding relationship. But this does not have to be the case. Although different than the mother-infant relationship, the father-infant relationship is equally important. There are plenty of ways to connect with your new child and create your own special relationship. Feeding isn’t the only way to be involved with your baby. The following are a few ways dad can enjoy time with baby.

Here are a few suggestions of how to be encouraging during the first few weeks:

• Have skin-to-skin contact:

  • Enjoy your own physical time with your baby by letting your baby rest on your bare chest. Skin contact is an important element for baby.
  • Another way to have this contact is to bathe or massage baby.
• Cuddle baby to sleep.
• Burp baby while your partner rests or has her own time.
• Change diapers and talk with baby.
• Put baby in a sling or stroller to go for a walk. You can show baby the world and what there is to learn and discover.
• Read books to baby.
• Play games, but be careful not to shake baby.
• Talk with baby.
• Just spend time together with baby!

Though mother and baby do become more comfortable with breastfeeding over time, your continued encouragement and support is needed. This is especially important if there is criticism from others. Let her know you have confidence in her. Continue to remind her of the service that she is providing for baby.