When we talk about breastfeeding, the role of the mother is crystal clear. Logically, it is from her breasts that the milk comes. The father's role is less clear. However, it is very important for all three of them!
Let's see why and how to get his place.
Why must the father do everything to take his place in breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding plays a unique role in creating the bond between mother and baby. This is where dad can feel excluded from this special moment.
However, the father or partner has a very important role to play:that of facilitator and support.
During breastfeeding, two hormones are stimulated: oxytocin (love hormone) and prolactin, responsible for lactation. When the mother is supported by her partner, it has been proven that breastfeeding is even better because oxytocin is even more stimulated.
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Babywearing in a sling/wrap encourages breastfeeding and lactation. Carrying your baby close to you will rub your mother's nipples and bring your baby's mouth closer to your chest. It can also be used for discreet breastfeeding. It is also very practical for creating the father-child bond également :) |
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| I DISCOVER THE BABY WRAP |
But how do you do this?
As we have seen, the father has a big support role to play during breastfeeding, which can sometimes be tiring.
1. Helping to organise
Yes, baby can be hungry at any time, even when you are not at home. And you will have to find the place, the position, the time... Taking charge of the organisation and simply being available to meet the needs of both mother and child is very important!
It is recommended that the mother drink during breastfeeding, so why not be the guarantor of the mother's good hydration?
2. Find out about breastfeeding
Frequency, duration, benefits, positions, reflux... there are so many subjects to learn about! Getting informed means getting involved and helping to make sure that things go as smoothly as possible. It's always nice to see a dad taking an interest in a moment that is supposed to be about mum and baby. It's an essential form of support! !
There are many possible breastfeeding positions, some more suitable than others for your child. We can help you find the right one in a sling or baby carrier :)
See: Breastfeeding and babywearing: 5 positions to know
3. Reassuring the mother
Breastfeeding can be a stressful and trying time. Fear of doing it wrong, fear of being a bad mother...parenthood is a jewel of questioning. Reassuring the mother is very important for breastfeeding to take place in the best conditions.
Just being present and hearing that what they are doing is perfect (or just right) can be a great help.
And if she doesn't want to or can't breastfeed for various reasons, it's important not to judge her and to support her decision. Breast milk has many virtues but is not an end in itself (and you can share bottles!)
4. Taking over when mum is tired
It's not easy to give milk, it can take up to 30 minutes, the pain from engorgement of the breast can be terrible and simply the desire to be more free is very great. If the mother is tired, why not opt for the breast pump and give the bottle of breast milk?
This is the perfect way to combine rest for the mother and creation of a bond between baby and dad :)
Baby benefits from the virtues of breast milk while spending a special moment with dad!
Breastfeeding is a real team effort where everyone has an important role to play: it's up to you to choose how to take it.
In addition to all these aspects, dad can simply have special moments with baby after breastfeeding during baths or diaper changes or during walks in a sling ou baby carrier.