6 ways to involve dad in breastfeeding
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Here are six tips from experts to involve fathers in breastfeeding. Remember that communication is a key element for everything to happen in harmony. Try these tips and you’ll discover how useful they are!
6. Involve dad in breastfeeding goals
A 2017 study found that fathers have extensive knowledge about the importance of breastfeeding — 98% of the participants claimed to have basic knowledge about the benefits of this process, which makes it easier to establish effective communication with the mother.
Together with your partner, set goals for breastfeeding. For dad to be able to participate, it is necessary for both of you to be on the same page and establish an action plan, identifying feeding schedules, the time you have planned to breastfeed and everything you need to carry out this important task.
5. Give dad important tasks
When it comes to breastfeeding, any help is important, especially when a father wants to be actively involved in a process that creates a special bond between mother and child. One way to involve dad in breastfeeding is by assigning him tasks, from the smallest to the most important.
Ask your partner to organize changes of clothing for you and the baby. Let him be the one to prepare everything you need so that you can pump milk for bottle feeding if you wish. Another way your partner can help you is by giving you emotional support to reduce any anxiety or stress that may affect your breastfeeding process.
4. Foster the relationship between dad and baby
Breastfeeding is a time when mother and child create a special bond. This is not only physical, but also emotional and mental. Although it seems that dad may be exempt from this benefit, this does not have to be the case, since he also benefits from actively participating in breastfeeding.
Like the mother who is in charge of breastfeeding, fathers participate in this task by establishing skin-to-skin contact with the baby. This is of great help for mom, since she can rest and replenish her energy, have a moment of personal care or some time alone to carry out her activities.
3. Let dad feed the baby
Several experts in breastfeeding say that having mom pump breast milk so that dad can feed the baby with a bottle creates a fair division of labor. This way they can take turns during the mornings and nights to get more rest.
It is normal that, at first, some mothers prefer to skip this step. However, in the long term, it is ideal for tasks to be divided, as it will help everyone to get necessary rest and will guarantee that the baby receives plenty of attention.
2. Invite dad to read more about breastfeeding
For some dads, getting involved in breastfeeding is difficult, not because they don’t want to be part of the process, but because they don’t know how to do it yet. Before giving birth, attend breastfeeding classes together with your partner, so you can both learn more about the process and everything you need to successfully feed your baby.
Recommend books, scientific articles and even blogs, as these will open up a new panorama to anticipate your needs and those of the baby during the duration of breastfeeding. Remember that knowledge is power!
1. Let dad be in charge of picking up the baby
Yes, it is true that breastfeeding is a tiring process for the mother, since it requires many sleepless nights, which lead to physical and mental exhaustion that can be counteracted with the involvement of the baby’s father. Take advantage of all the help that you can get!
Another way to involve dad in breastfeeding is by asking him to pick up the baby from the crib and bring them to you. Once you finish, assign him the task of returning them to the crib while you rest. Teamwork will make everything easier!.
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