3 ways to support a partner who’s breastfeeding
You might feel like a bit of a spare part at feeding times if your partner is breastfeeding, but it’s something you can still tackle as a team. After all, a breastfeeding mother needs an awful lot of support through the long nights and tiring days.
You can help to support a partner who’s breastfeeding by:
Providing emotional support: Breastfeeding doesn’t come easily to everyone; if your partner is struggling with some of the realities of breastfeeding (whether physical or emotional) you can help them simply by remaining supportive. Sit with them; ask if they’re okay; find out what they need from you, and listen to them talk about the good points, and the bad
Read up on breastfeeding: Even if you’re not the one who’s going to be feeding the baby, it will mean a lot to your partner if you understand what challenges can occur; what different holds they can try; what impact it can have on their hormones.
Take over where you can: You might want to encourage your partner to express breastmilk so you can help with the feeding; offer to burp and settle the baby after a feed; take on more of the nappy-changing duties to give your partner a rest.
You should also watch out for signs that your partner no longer wishes to breastfeed; whether it’s physically or mentally difficult, or they just want to switch to formula, it can a really difficult topic to approach for some mums.