Fatherhood and Breastfeeding
Bringing a new baby home can be an exciting, yet challenging time for everyone in the house! Fathers are also at risk for postpartum depression, called paternal postpartum depression (PPD). One of the factors associated with PPD is difficulty bonding with the new baby. While breastfeeding is often a great source of bonding for moms and their babies, it may result in some fathers feeling excluded and helpless, possibly contributing to PPD or bonding struggles. Additionally, new fathers may have concerns about decreased intimacy or overall relationship changes with their partner because of breastfeeding. Below are some suggestions for how fathers can create a bond with their baby and continue to feel connected and on the same team as their breastfeeding partner.
Bonding with Baby
Newborn babies are totally dependent on their parents for everything, not just feeding! So, there are lots of opportunities to care for and connect with your baby:
Changing diapers
Burping after feeding
Bathing
Putting the baby to bed
Singing or playing with the baby
Preparing for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a new skill, and there are steps you and your partner can take to help you both be better prepared once the baby is born.
Learn the breastfeeding basics – the more you know, the more you can support your partner!
Work with your partner to create a birth plan and set breastfeeding goals
Join a WIC breastfeeding class with your partner
Basic information about breastfeeding
Tips for a healthy supply of breast milk for your baby
Support when you have breastfeeding concerns
Tips on how to breastfeed comfortably and discreetly
Breastfeeding Takes Teamwork
Recognizing that you and your partner are working together to take care of your new baby is an important step in staying connected through the challenges of the early days of parenthood. If your partner is breastfeeding, you can provide support by:
Caring for any older children while the baby eats
Taking over cooking, laundry, any extra errands
Recognizing infant signs or cues of hunger
Signs your baby is hungry
Fists moving to mouth
Head turning to look for the breast
Becoming more alert and active
Opening and closing mouth
Sucking on hands or lip smacking
Signs your baby is full
Baby releases or “falls off” the breast
Baby turns away from the nipple
Baby relaxes their body and opens their fists
Providing emotional support such as encouragement and affection
Ensuring comfortable positioning of mom and baby
Recognizing signs that the baby is receiving enough breast milk, adequate weight gain, and wet
In the end, babies thrive when they are surrounded by loving caregivers. Mom or dad, breastfeeding or not, there are many ways to bond with and show love to your new baby.
Writer: Carly Goodroe
Reviewer: Sheila LaFortune
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