How to Get Dad Involved In Breastfeeding

Dads play a vital role in supporting moms during breastfeeding. In fact, many moms credit their success in breastfeeding to the support that they’ve received from their husbands. But often dads feel left out when it comes to feeding their babies. They often want to help and offer support to the nursing mom, but they just aren’t sure how. Follow these steps to help encourage dad to be involved in breastfeeding. This will help you gain the support that you need to keep on feeding your baby nature's very best.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Share you needs with your partner. Often dads want to be involved with breastfeeding but just don't know how they can help or offer support. Ask dad to sit with you and talk while you feed baby, or ask him to bring you a drink or a snack. Dad is likely to feel useful and want to be be involved if he sees there is a practical way for him to help out.

2. Suggest other ways for dad to bond with baby during feedings. Bringing the baby to you, burping and changing diapers provide ways for dad to bond with baby during breastfeeding.

3. Consider expressing your milk and having dad bottle feed your baby with breast milk for one feeding a day. This provides a special time for dad to bond with baby.

4. Talk to your partner about the importance of breastfeeding. Share with him the benefits of breast milk and help him to see that it is healthy, free and convenient.

5. Realize that dad may feel left out. Be sure to praise him for all the things he can do with the baby. Encourage him to play an active role in parenting your child.