Most people think of breastfeeding as a job only a mom can do. And while that’s true in some ways, support and encouragement from a partner can be essential to successfully breastfeeding a baby.
“In fact, a partner’s support is one of the most important factors for successful breastfeeding nationwide,” says Phyllis Young, RN, a Childbirth Educator and Certified Lactation Consultant with Grand View Health.
Here are five ways partners can help mothers through the breastfeeding journey:
- Cook, clean and help out around the house.
Partners can take the burden of housework, cooking and caring for other children off the mother’s shoulders while she is learning how to breastfeed their new baby. This allows the mother to fully embrace breastfeeding and learn her new routine with the baby.
- Keep Mom relaxed while she’s breastfeeding.
Give Mom a foot rub or back massage to keep her calm and relaxed, even while she’s breastfeeding. Offer some water or a healthy snack so she feels comfortable.
- Care for the baby while Mom sleeps.
Make sure Mom gets good sleep when she can. Take care of the baby while she rests. Sleep is necessary for successful breastfeeding.
- Provide support and encouragement when the going gets tough.
Breastfeeding can come with challenges. Support Mom and encourage her to reach out to people who can help. Grand View Health lactation specialists can provide the support you need to successfully feed your baby as you establish a nursing routine. You can reach them at 215-453-4594.
- Participate in breastfeeding education with Mom.
“At Grand View Health, we encourage partners to attend breastfeeding classes with Mom,” Young says. By learning the techniques and methods of breastfeeding, partners can help Mom adjust positions, provide an extra set of hands and recall tips and tricks from the classes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Grand View Health is offering breastfeeding education in a webinar format. Register here for our August 26 Breastfeeding ABC’s webinar.
Grand View Health is a participant in Keystone 10, an initiative dedicated to improving the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding for all Pennsylvania infants, mothers and families.
Learn more about breastfeeding and how Grand View Health can help.