How Can a Dad Help with Breastfeeding??

Happy Fathers Day to all you dads!!!

We are excited to devote time to the special role they have within the family… and YES even within the breastfeeding relationship!

I have found that dads often feel completely helpless when it comes to helping mom and baby feed. And lets be real, they feed for what seems like all day… so they’re left feeling like all day and night they aren’t helping. A lot of times, fathers can end up actually not helping… which can lead to maternal exhaustion, resentment, and burnout. BUT almost all dads truly want to help! They simply have no earthly idea how they can be helpful when mom is trying to get baby to latch correctly for the 13th time today.

So, here are some fantastic things dads can do to help the breastfeeding relationship between mom and baby:

• Know mom’s breastfeeding goals so you can advocate for and encourage her

• Learn hunger cues to help mom know when it’s time to feed

• Help her get comfortable and get all those pillows, arms, and baby hands situated while she is nursing

• Do skin to skin with the baby ( this helps dad and baby bond and is so so good for baby)

• Feed and hydrate mama… because she will undoubtedly forget to feed herself while feeding tiny + she’s likely starving

• Wash any pump parts or bottles that may be around the house

• Change all the diapers you can (day or night)

• Do the laundry

• Playtime/tummy time

• Take a stroll with baby to leave mom time alone to nap

• Schedule her an appointment with a lactation consultant!! If you’re struggling to support her with lactation- find someone who can!

While this list is not exhaustive of all the ways dads can help, I hope it gives you an idea of how the small things can go a long way. If you’re a mom that needs dad’s help… share this with him!! I’ll bet he wants to know ways that he can be more helpful and supportive of you and your new, nursing baby. ALSO dads: anything on the above list will guarantee some brownie points with mama!:)