features
5
Ways to Involve Your Partner in Breastfeeding
Make
life easier for yourself and let him in on some baby bonding.
It
could be the one bummer of breastfeeding: It's not easy for Dad to
help with feedings when Mom's got the goods. But you can still get
him involved, making life easier for yourself and letting him in on
some of the baby bonding.
1. He can bring the baby to you. Big deal, right? It may sound like
a minor contribution, but when baby is up every few hours all night
long, you will be seriously grateful if your partner gets out of bed
and brings that little bundle to you. It saves your back a few minutes
of strain, and gives you a feeling of camaraderie--the whole family
is up together.
2.
He can burp baby afterward. To prevent gas and other digestive troubles,
you should pat or rub baby's back for five or 10 minutes after a feeding,
You won't always get a burp, but you frequently will. If you've been
up breastfeeding for half an hour already, being able to pass the
baby to your partner so you can go back to sleep will be a blessing.
3.
Have him give the occasional bottle. You may find yourself with extra
milk, especially in the morning, Pump and save it, and let your husband
give it to baby in a bottle. (While he does so, you'll probably have
to pump again, but that's okay.) Baby might be fascinated by the fact
that Dad's doing the feeding, and your husband will probably like
being able to provide the milk once in a while.
4.
Ask him to massage your back or feet while you nurse. This is SuperDad
territory! But seriously, your husband would probably be happy to
help you feel better. Just tell him what you'd like him to do--men
can't read minds. Some nursing moms find that they don't want to be
touched, and that's okay. Perhaps he can bring you a glass of water,
put a pillow behind you, offer you a magazine, turn on the radio,
or provide whatever else you need to feel comfy.
5.
Get him involved with solid-food feeding. Some breastfeeding moms
get so used to being in charge of meals that they keep right on running
the show once baby is on solids. But introducing solids is a great
time to get Dad in the act--he's just as capable as you at wielding
a spoon of rice cereal.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
