How can a New Dad support the Breastfeeding Mom?

We, at Little Sudhams believe that except for Childbirth and Breastfeeding there are no strictly Mom duties or Dad duties. The mom is physically capable of nurturing the child but, the dad’s help at every phase can go a long way in bonding with the child and supporting the new mother. Here are a few suggestions from us as to how a New Dad can support the Breastfeeding Mom. Please do feel free to add more of your thoughts in the comments section.

1. Burp the baby after a feed
2. Involve yourself in diaper changes
3. Feed the baby expressed milk
4. Involve yourself in household chores
5. Give her at least a few minutes of baby-free time
6. Encourage the mother to not give up
7. Give your partner and yourself much needed time and grace to adjust to this new phase

1. Burp the baby after a feed: Feeding baby is strenuous and exhausting for the mom especially during the initial weeks. Carrying the baby after a feed to allow it to burp whenever possible can be a small yet great support.
2. Involve yourself in diaper changes: Your equal participation in all the tasks of taking care of the baby can give your partner a much needed break. It could be diaper changes, or giving the baby a bath or also taking the baby for a stroll.
3. Feed the baby expressed milk: Feeding the pumped breastmilk to the baby can help the mom get a period of uninterrupted rest as well as give you an opportunity to bond with the baby.
4. Involve yourself in household chores: Sharing the workload at the home front can support the breastfeeding mom. It can also create a foundation for a gender neutral parenting for your baby.
5. Give her at least a few minutes of baby-free time: You could play or engage with the baby when the mom rests or sleeps or does something she used to enjoy doing before the baby came. This can greatly elevate her mood and breeze through her postpartum period.
6. Encourage the mother to not give up: The sleepless nights and cluster feedings can make it too hard for her to continue breastfeeding. Your words of encouragement, constant support and discussing the benefits can help in the process.
7. Give your partner and yourself time and grace to adjust to the new phase: Each baby, each pregnancy and each breastfeeding journey is different and unique. So give your partner, your baby and yourself the time to adjust to this new phase. We are sure you would sail through it with grace.