HomeMy WebLinkAboutdads-partners-and-breastfeedingDads, Partners and Breastfeeding
Alameda County Fatherhood Initiative July 2018
Baby and mom
can feel calmer
and happier when
dad is part of the
feeding team.
Dad can offer
practical and
emotional support
for breastfeeding
in many ways
other than
feeding.
Here are some tips from dads and partners:
Be Caring
• Hold and cuddle baby on your chest,
skin-to-skin, with baby’s ear over your
heartbeat.
• Talk, read and sing to your baby; it is
magic for their growth.
• Speak up for mom’s wishes. Limit
visitors when mom and baby are
learning to breastfeed.
• Small thoughtful acts can make you a
big hero. Ask what she needs or bring
her a pillow for comfort. Let mom know
you are proud of her.
• When baby is not at the breast, change
diapers and carry your baby while mom
gets some sleep.
Be Prepared
• Before you leave the hospital have the
Lactation Consultant show you what it
looks like when your baby latches on
and feeds correctly.
• Newborns eat at least 10 times a day and
sleep only a few hours at a time. This
helps mom’s body make the milk your
baby needs.
• Watch baby for early signs of hunger
(turning toward the breast, sucking on a
fist or making sucking noises) and bring
baby to mom to breastfeed. It’s much
easier for babies to latch on and feed
before they get too hungry.
• New moms need extra nutrition and
fluids for healthy recovery and making
milk. Have water and healthy snacks that
are ready-to-eat with one hand nearby
when mom breastfeeds.
Tip
If mom
participates
in WIC
you can
join her
WIC visits
to talk with
nutrition
and breast
feeding specialists for free.
Developed by the Alameda County Fatherhood Initiative
and the WIC Regional Breastfeeding Liaison Program
Alameda County Fatherhood Initiative July 2018
Be Helpful
• Be aware of mom’s needs. New moms
are tired and may have mood swings
because of hormonal changes.
Encourage her to rest, take naps, or get
some fresh air.
• Be ready to listen. When mom is
breastfeeding, she is going to have
problems you can’t solve. All moms say
that a patient listener is what they need
to get through the hard times.
• Ask family or friends for help with
meals or care for older children,
especially when you can’t be there.
• Find breastfeeding help if she has
problems. Your doctor, health plan or
WIC program can help you.
Some ways to let her know that she’s not
alone and you are here to help:
□ “Can I watch the baby while you get
some rest or go see your friends?”
□ “How can I help? I can take on more
around the house like making meals,
cleaning, or going grocery shopping.”
□ “I am here for you no matter what. Let’s
spend some alone time together, just you
and me.”
Do you notice that she…?
• Has trouble sleeping?
• Is stressed with day-to-day tasks?
• Feels sad, angry or cries a lot?
Do you…?
• Get concerned she cannot care for
herself or the baby?
• Think she might hurt herself or the
baby?
You may be the first to see signs of
depression and anxiety in your loved one
while she is pregnant or after she has had
the baby.
Learn the signs and if you do see them,
urge her to talk with her doctor.
“Breastfeeding was hard for her in the
beginning and I felt helpless! I was her
first line of defense, but no one prepared
me to help. Now I understand how it
works, what to do and how to get help.”
-First time dad, Age 30
Ask your doctor or WIC program about how you can help your loved ones breastfeed
and get support when needed. You can learn more at ACBreastfeeds.org