Always remember to work as a team of both mother and father together to care for your baby.
The most influential person to successful breastfeeding is the father.
When the father is supportive of breastfeeding, the mother feels encouraged that she can succeed with breastfeeding even when difficulties occur.
Fathers are the “protectors of the family”. They should be involved in learning how breastfeeding protects the mother and the baby from future medical and developmental problems. Some fathers say: “It’s up to the mother how she wants to feed the baby.” Would the father say the same about vaccinations against diseases? No, probably not. The family is a team of mother and father working together to care for the baby.
What can fathers do?
- Learn about breastfeeding with the mother when she’s pregnant.
- Praise and encourage the mother to help her want to continue breastfeeding.
- The “no cost” of mother’s milk compared to expensive infant formulas are a benefit to the family.
- Do skin-to- skin contact just like mothers to bond with the baby; it helps control baby’s temperature, heart rate, and improve breastfeeding success.
- Bathe the baby; best way for dad to care and play with baby at the same time. This special time gives dad enjoyment and feeling needed on a daily basis.
- Change diapers may not be fun for mom or dad, but it’s definitely an important part of baby’s care.
- Do household chores and cooking so that the mother is not exhausted or overtaxed. A relaxed mother produces more and better milk.
- Control the flow of visitors during the early first weeks.
