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Katie Serbinski, M.S., R.D., is a registered dietitian and millennial mom, blogging about healthy recipes, child and mom nutrition, and motherhood.

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Home » Nutrition » Baby » How Dad Can Help With Breastfeeding

How Dad Can Help With Breastfeeding

Dec 19, 2014 29 Comments

Before Joey was born, there was NO question in my mind about his initial nutrition: I was going to breastfeed. I think one of the first things I learned while studying to become a registered dietitian was “breast is best for baby!” That catch phrase didn’t prepare me for the struggle that breastfeeding turned out to be. It was HARD. A lot harder than I had anticipated. But a certain someone made the experience easier. No, it wasn’t the lactation consultants in the hospital or the tips and tricks I read daily from experts at BabyCenter and KellyMom. It was Joey’s Dad, my husband, Ted.

Dad can help with breastfeeding too!

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting his support to be the one that got me through the first month or two. What could a man possibly know about breastfeeding?! But I was delightfully surprised- and thankful for his daily encouragement and presence. Come to think of it, he’s my number one supporter for everything else in life. So why wouldn’t he be for breastfeeding?! So here’s what I learned from Ted, and what I want to share with new dads about how dad can help with breastfeeding.

IMG_0583
Dad’s get tired with breastfeeding too! Especially if they help out a lot like my hubby did….

DID YOU KNOW……

Dad’s can be involved in the breastfeeding process just as much as mom, even though they are not the one’s supplying the food. Although I’ve often thought breastfeeding would be MUCH easier if Dad was able to feed too! [He’ll likely spit out his coffee reading that comment].

IMG_0612
Look, he pretty much has the position right. Don’t you think?!

Here’s how dad can help with breastfeeding:

  • Learn all you can about breastfeeding- attend a breastfeeding class with mom, read up about breastfeeding online
  • Help with positioning, burping, and diapering, especially the diapering!!! Breastfeeding is notorious for diaper blow-outs!
  • Let your partner know you are proud of her and think she’s amazing, even when she hasn’t showered or brushed her teeth in 2 days.
  • Spend time alone each day with your baby- go for a walk, splash in the tub during bath time, sing, dance, or read together.
  • If your partner is pumping milk, offer to bottle feed baby at night or during the day to give mommy a much-deserved break [mainly for sleep or to eat a meal, uninterrupted].
  • Spend time alone each week with your partner- a continued connection with your partner will help with both of your moods and baby’s too!
  • Lastly, if your partner isn’t breastfeeding, you’ll be husband of the year if you split bottle duty 50/50! When I stopped nursing Joey around 3-4 months of age, Ted would give him the bottles of formula when he was home and able to.
IMG_0749
Post-nursing cuddle time with Dad = the best time! A break for Mom too!

Breastfeeding does take time and energy, especially during the first few weeks of your baby’s life. New moms, let your partner know how much you need their support as you both learn to care for your baby.  And don’t forget your partner needs support too! Take him up on the offer for help… all three of you will benefit from the mutual family support system.

IMG_0642
A well-fed, loved little angel. Happy because Mom and Dad are happy too!

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Comments

  1. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    December 19, 2014 at 8:35 am

    I bottle fed, so my husband was equally involved in feeding my boys as I was.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 19, 2014 at 8:40 am

      Thats a definite plus! I did after a few months and Dad pretty much did the same when he was home. TG!

  2. Michelle F. says

    December 19, 2014 at 11:09 am

    Those are some great tips. My husband was super helpful when I was breast feeding. Beautiful baby by the way: 🙂

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 19, 2014 at 12:53 pm

      Thank you Michelle!!

  3. Heather says

    December 19, 2014 at 11:20 am

    This is a great post! I kinda wish my husband was more involved in this process, I think unfortunately for me, its ended up with me being the only person to make meals for my children. Its grown from just breastfeeding to solids and now that they are three and five, my husband still does not feed the kids a meal. Its only me. Maybe if I had involved him more in the process, he would be more willing to prepare meals for the kids nowadays. I wonder….

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 19, 2014 at 12:53 pm

      Thanks, Heather! I honestly wonder how it will be with #2 since he’s an active, solids eating toddler. I might have a different perspective and post to share!!

  4. [email protected] says

    December 19, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    Yes…he can help with that diapering, indeed!!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 21, 2014 at 6:53 pm

      Amen sister!!

  5. Stephanie Pass says

    December 20, 2014 at 4:15 am

    These are wonderful tips. I’ve breastfed for more than 10 years with all my kids. My husband was great about taking our youngest and spend time with her after nursing.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 20, 2014 at 8:46 am

      Kudos to you Stephanie!!!

  6. Holly @ Woman Tribune says

    December 20, 2014 at 5:31 am

    These are some really great tips. I have heard a bit about how dads can feel like they are missing out on quality bonding time because they can’t always be that involved in the feeding process during infancy.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 20, 2014 at 8:46 am

      The good news is once infancy is over dad’s can play an even bigger role in feeding!! And give us moms a break!

  7. JanetGoingCrazy says

    December 20, 2014 at 10:05 am

    After my first few weeks of breastfeeding, I would pump a little so Daddy could help. He was always so supportive.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 21, 2014 at 6:51 pm

      Thank goodness for pumps!!

  8. Danielle says

    December 20, 2014 at 10:16 am

    Great post dads can totally be involved in breast feeding. It is so important for dads and babies to bond.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 21, 2014 at 6:51 pm

      Exactly! And this is one little way they can!

  9. Rosey says

    December 20, 2014 at 10:57 am

    It’s wonderful that your husband was so readily involved. My oldest son is like that with his wife, he’s right beside her for everything. It’s nice. 🙂

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 21, 2014 at 6:51 pm

      Dual parenting 🙂

  10. Liz Mays says

    December 20, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    This is a great way for both parents to bond with the baby and each other. I think fathers will appreciate being included too!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 21, 2014 at 6:51 pm

      Totally!! And Mom enjoys the break 🙂

  11. Jaime says

    December 20, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    I like these tips so dads can be involved. I’m not going to have anymore children but my daughter was bottlefed and her father was involved with feeding her.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 21, 2014 at 6:52 pm

      Every bit helps!!

  12. Debra says

    December 20, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    Can’t lie, sometimes I wish my baby would take a bottle. I have had a full night of sleep in months!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 21, 2014 at 6:52 pm

      I know :/ hang in there!! Season in time season in time…

  13. Kristin says

    December 20, 2014 at 11:19 pm

    Such great tips! I couldn’t have made it through breastfeeding without the support of my hubs!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 21, 2014 at 6:53 pm

      Ditto Kristin!!

  14. Caitlin says

    December 22, 2014 at 12:49 am

    These are great tips! My husband and I are not just yet ready for babies – but when we are I will definitely remember this. Thanks!

    Reply
  15. Emma {Emma's Little Kitchen} says

    January 27, 2015 at 7:14 am

    So true! Those words of encouragement kept me going on many a rough night in the first few weeks. Now we are bottle feeding from time to time, it gives my husband a chance to bond with our son and me a chance to take a long bubble bath!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      January 27, 2015 at 12:37 pm

      You deserve it Emma!!

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Katie Serbinski at Mom to Mom Nutrition

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Hi, I’m Katie! Registered Dietitian, Mom, and Mealtime Negotiator. I’m on a mission to make mealtime happier, healthier, and easier with small children, despite what my 4 picky eaters have me believing. From family-friendly recipes to confessions about my unfiltered motherhood moments, I hope you grab a seat at my kitchen table!
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