10 ways for partners to support breastfeeding

10 ways for partners to support breastfeeding. You are a new parent and your partner is breastfeeding/nursing/chestfeeding your baby or they are planning to. During antenatal classes I often get ask how partners, dads, friends and family members can support the breastfeeding/nursing/chestfeeding mother/parent.

Knowledge – Learn about breastfeeding

The first step to support someone who is nursing is to have some [basic] knowledge about how it works. Put in some time and effort to learn about the physiology of breastfeeding/nursing/chestfeeding, then you’ll be the best support your partner can hope for. An interesting and fun to read book is Kate Evan’s “Food of Love” (amazon affiliate link). For further websites and books, please see the sources and further reading section at the bottom of this page.

Reassurance

Reassuring your partner that you are there for support, encouraging words and being positive about their progress, will help your partner on their breastfeeding/nursing/chestfeeding journey. Like with every new skill a person is learning, reassurance and praise are a great help!

Comfort

Your partner may be feeding your baby for quite some time. That there is a comfortable, relaxing space for them is important. Ideally help set up a nursing nest with cushions, snacks, remote control, a book, muslin squares, a drink! (hydration is important for the milk production and flow) etc… A lot of parents chose to have a little basket that they keep nearby when they are feeding their baby.

Reduce household chores

Help and support by reducing household chores. Take on more than your usual household chores and/or get help such as a doula, cleaner, dog walker… The more your partner can focus on feeding your baby the more successful the journey will be.

Get involved in your baby’s care in other ways

Other than feeding, your baby will need a lot more than that. Get involved in their care by playing with them, reading stories, bathtime, changing nappies, taking them for a walk, cuddles…. That way your partner will be able to find some time for themselves to recharge, have a shower etc. and you can bond with your baby also.

Know where to find further support

It is important to know where you can get further support. Many places in the UK run regular breastfeeding peer support groups in-person and online. It is a good idea to find out about them while your partner is still pregnant. Encourage your partner to go along to one or more while you are waiting for your baby to be born. You can also find lots of valuable support and information on the Breastfeeding Network’s website!

Massage

Offering a massage can be really helpful to encourage milk flow and increase comfort. The hormone oxytocin lets the milk flow. Not everyone is a fan of massages but if you are, it’s a great way to support the milk flow!

Food

Feeding the breastfeeding/nursing/chestfeeding mother/parent is feeding your baby. Ensuring that there are plenty of nutritious food and some treats available is key to comfort, milk production and a rewarding feeding experience. Top tip: food that can be eaten with one hand and without cutlery is the most practical while feeding a baby. A pizza cutter, to cut any food can be helpful, as you can operate it with just one hand!

Privacy

Too many visitors in the first few weeks as a new parent can negatively influence the baby feeding experience. Help by keeping visitors to a bare minimum or inviting them for after breastfeeding/nursing/chestfeeding is established.

Other/older children

If you have older children, look after them while your baby is being fed. It can be incredibly helpful to be able to just focus on feeding your baby without having to worry about the wellbeing of the older siblings.