Can dads play a role in a child’s breastfeeding?
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated in the first week of August and the theme for 2024 was Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all. There couldn’t be a more fitting theme as we are regularly witnessing dads becoming far more involved in parenting responsibilities, even in domains, considered predominantly only for moms. In this article my conversation with Dr. Mugdha Joshi delves deeper into a father’s role in breastfeeding.
Dr. Joshi said that fathers have a very analytical line of questioning when it comes to breastfeeding. For instance, they ask how long the baby should be fed during each session? How many times a day feeding should occur? It's common for dads to be curious about whether a 20-minute feeding session provides sufficient milk and if supplementation is necessary. But many fathers are surprised to learn that exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding ideally lasting until the baby is at least two years old. Addressing these questions helps fathers better understand and support the breastfeeding process and she encourages this in order for them to be fully involved in the breastfeeding process.
Dads, Educate Yourselves
Education is the first step in this journey. Fathers should attend prenatal breastfeeding classes with their partners and understand the process, benefits and potential challenges of breastfeeding. Unfortunately I couldn’t because I didn’t have much information with regards to this type of class, although I did a lot of reading and consumed other content that helped me prepare a little for the breastfeeding journey.
Family Matters
Today breastfeeding cannot be considered just a mother’s responsibility. We need to learn to look beyond the physiological aspect. It's a family matter, fathers especially, play an indispensable role in creating a supportive environment for successful breastfeeding. Their involvement can significantly impact the mother's confidence, milk supply and overall breastfeeding experience. Spend time with your wife when she is feeding the baby, talk about your day, ask about the baby. The beginning days of motherhood can be very lonesome, so it’s nice for the father to be there in moments when it matters.
Child Comfort
At an international conference, Dr. Joshi experienced the story of one tribal community member who would breastfeed her baby four times every hour. While modern life doesn't allow for such frequent feeding, fathers can play a crucial role. After a 30-40 minute feeding session, when the baby needs comfort, dads can step in. They can use methods like baby wearing, skin-to-skin contact, walking with the baby, or playing soothing music to pacify and bond with their child.
Privacy
Many mothers feel they have lost their privacy during breastfeeding, even if it's just another woman present. Fathers can help create a comfortable and private space. It's crucial for mothers to communicate their need for privacy to their partners. Privacy isn’t just about being undressed; it’s also about pride. A mother may not want to struggle with latching in front of others. Partners should recognize cues, like when she says it’s time to feed and looks at you. This means it's time to move guests out of the room so she can nurse privately.
So as per the norm closing with our question:
Can dads play a role in a child’s breastfeeding?
I want to offer a 10 point list for dads when it comes to their partners’ breastfeeding routine:
- Offer genuine support and ask if the partner/wife needs anything.
- Boost her confidence; praise her efforts to breastfeed.
- Be self-reliant; don't depend on her for your needs.
- Bring the baby to her for feeding times.
- Ensure she's comfortable and relaxed during feedings.
- Keep her company and engage in engaging conversation.
- Allow her to rest between feedings; comfort the baby yourself.
- Be understanding of her physical and emotional state post-birth.
- Stay calm and avoid pointing out faults.
- Offer small comforts like foot massages or anything she wishes
