We try to promote contact, closeness, the link with your baby after their birth. Create conditions for a close relationship between you and your young one.
Skin-to-skin, mom and dad’s warmth, your smell and your voice will reassure your baby when they come into the world. Feeding is a primitive need, almost animal in nature. Since we’re mammals, it’s natural to carry a child, to give birth to it and breastfeed it to develop its autonomy and independence. During prenatal preparation, the father is very important, even for breastfeeding.
Fathers who feel more or less impacted or involved in breastfeeding, who say “My wife is the one breastfeeding, it’s her choice,” get over it!
Today, few fathers grew up in a context that included breastfeeding. It was also very rare for them, during their childhood or adolescence, to see women who breastfed their baby. As a consequence, it’s a new world for them. New fathers find themselves feeling incompetent or useless for their newborn, who constantly requires feeding by their mother. They don’t understand that the impact of their gestures or their positive attitude and constant support has a determining effect on the success of breastfeeding.
Did you know that your attitude towards breastfeeding, your encouragement and support, are factors that influence your partner the most in her decision to breastfeed or not, the amount of time she will decide to breastfeed?
Fathers can help simplify breastfeeding in a practical way by bringing the baby to Mom, changing their diapers, rocking them, burping them, giving them their bath, consoling them as needed. Also, they can encourage Mom in many ways during the most critical and difficult stages. Even if the majority of men today understand that breastfeeding is what is best for the baby, many continue to believe that breastfeeding will have a negative impact on the look of their partner’s breasts and harm sexual relations.
Did you know that your attitude towards breastfeeding, your encouragement and support, are factors that influence your partner the most in her decision to breastfeed or not, the amount of time she will decide to breastfeed? In this way, your contribution is crucial because your spouse is offering your child a priceless gift—her milk—and your support is very important. By taking care of each other, you’re both feeding your baby. Without a doubt, for me the father and the family play an important role, to encourage, to share their experiences and provide practical advice. Prenatal classes, doctors, nurses, breastfeeding monitors, midwives can all contribute in their own way by encouraging you in your role as the best caregiver during breastfeeding.
Surround yourself with friends and family members that have had a positive experience with breastfeeding and ask them questions.
Breastfeeding is indeed a family affair!
Associated videos:
Associated articles:
Talk soon,
Marie
The Baby Expert
Feel free to share your experiences in the comment section.
