Dads and Breastfeeding!

We know Dads are very matter of fact and like to be logical, so here are the benefits for you of a breastfed baby...

Your baby is likely to suffer from fewer ailments, studies suggest that breastfeeding may positively affect your baby's brain development and IQ, and your baby will have a decreased risk of tooth decay.

Your partner will lower her risk of cancer, will be less likely to suffer from postnatal depression and is likely to regain her pre-pregnancy shape faster.

Direct benefits for you: if your baby is breastfed there is no need for nighttime sterilising of bottles, breastmilk is always at the right temperature and you don't have to cart around huge bags of equipment when you leave the house. Breastmilk is free, while the average formula-feeding mother will spend around £1700 a year on artifical milk and equipment. And, as we hope your responsibilities include changing your baby, breastfed babies have much less smelly nappies...need we say more?!

So, how can you help?

Nine out of ten women who give up breastfeeding during the first six weeks stop before they want to. Often the cause is lack of support and information, and the attitude of fathers plays a major role too. Breastfeeding is a new skill and your partner will need encouragement and reassurance. You could remind her that she does not need to commit to breastfeeding, but to take it one day at a time. Breastfeeding even for the first few days will provide your baby with colostrum (first milk), which contains antibodies, is low in fat, high in carbohydrates and protein and is extremely easy to digest.

Practical help is also extremely important. Some women may experience difficulties early on in breastfeeding (see our other articles). Make sure you understand what could happen, and what can be done to prevent the problem and alleviate the symptoms in the meantime - she will really appreciate your help! In the early days you may need to be on hand to fend off or organise well wishing visitors to help. Breastfeeding women feel thirstier, so ensure she has a glass of water near her when feeding, and encourage her to eat a balanced, nutritious diet. You can help do your fair share of the housework, so that she can take the time needed to feed your baby in a relaxed atmosphere. If your partner is worried about breastfeeding in public, you can help her out by making sure she is not in full view of others and reassuring her that she is doing well.

Some fathers worry that they will feel jealous and left out of the bonding process that is going on with mother and baby - but there is no need. There are lots of things you can, and should, do other than feeding: change, bath and rock your baby, place him on your bare chest for skin to skin contact, give him a massage, or buy a sling and take him to a friend's house, or for a walk, to give mum a rest.

Maintaining intimacy is very important following the birth of a baby. And it's not always easy even to manage some time alone together. A breastfeeding woman may very likely feel 'touched-out' by the end of a long day, which is hardly surprising if she has been feeding frequently. However, this does not mean that she does not want to be touched or cuddled at all. She may just need a bit of time to switch roles. Nurture the relationship you have with your baby's mother through good communication.

Your support is invaluable in boosting your baby's mother's confidence and studies have shown that a mother is more likely to breastfeed for longer if she has the support of the baby's father. Tell her she is doing well, and let friends know that in order for her to successfully breastfeed she will feed when the baby needs to be fed, possibly in front of them. As it is the most natural thing in the world they need to take it in their stride, and know that you will stand up for your partner's right to breastfeed.