Lactation Consultant

Women don’t technically need a partner to breastfeed because all the equipment necessary comes standard with the female form.  However, the role of your partner in breastfeeding is inextricably crucial to your success.  Without the support of my husband, Darren, I wouldn’t have made it through the pain of a thrush infection and would have stopped nursing after a week.  Probably the most important way to support breastfeeding is to be on the same page about why you have decided to breastfeed.  Before you give birth, make sure you’ve had the conversation about your expectations and reasons for nursing.  Believe me, when the baby arrives, you will be so sleep deprived that you’ll want to give up at the first sign of pain in your nipples or other complications such as mastitis.  During this exciting and challenging time, you want your partner there to lovingly remind you about your decision and encourage you to stick with it as long as possible.  But that’s not all!  Here’s a list of things your partner can do to give you a better chance of sticking with breastfeeding:

1.  Bring mom healthy snacks and water while nursing.  Once you’re milk start to flow, you will probably feel super thirsty which is your body’s way of telling you, “I’m running low on ingredients!”

2.  Bottle feed the baby.  This is a great way to give mom a break from nursing so she can get some extra winks or grab a shower.  More importantly, it’s great bonding time for your partner with your new arrival.  

3.  Clean the pump.  This simple act makes pumping easier, quicker, and less stressful.

4.  Get up in the middle of the night.  Take turns with the responsibility for getting up with the baby and bring her to mom so she can nurse while laying in bed.  Be sure that you wait out the feeding and put baby back into their crib or co-sleeper, unless, of course, you’re bed sharing.  This helps mom get a few extra winks.

5.  Champion the cause.  Sometimes family, friends, or even strangers will act inappropriately about nursing in front of them.  Don’t apologize but rather remain calm and remind them that it’s perfectly natural to feed your child when they are hungry!

6.  Encourage your partner.  Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience but the first few months can feel very isolating to a new mom.  Tell her how proud you are of her efforts and thank her for giving so much of herself for your little one.  A few kind words will go a long way!