Supporting your partner’s decision to breastfeed, and giving her plenty of encouragement especially in the early days, makes a real difference. Research shows that mums are more likely to keep breastfeeding when they have a supportive partner alongside them. Ciara Butler, IBCLC and vice president of the Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland, shares her tips for partners on supporting baby breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed a baby, but it’s still a skill that both mum and baby need to learn together. Partner support during this steep learning curve is paramount. So what can partners actually do to help? Quite a lot, it turns out.
Go to a breastfeeding class
Many couples assume these classes are just for mums, but they’re really useful for partners too. The information covered will prepare partners for some of the challenges that might come up along the way. In fact, partners are often the ones who remember more of the detail, particularly in those hazy early days.
Keep visitors at bay
After the baby arrives, new mums can be overwhelmed with exhaustion. Visitors, however well-meaning, can add to that pressure — so it’s often the partner’s job to manage them. Try to protect quiet time and space for sleep.
While visitors are there, keep an eye out for the baby’s feeding cues, and if your partner isn’t comfortable feeding in front of them, don’t be afraid to ask them nicely to give some space.
Help around the house
Taking care of household chores, keeping on top of washing, and doing the shopping all helps your partner focus on the baby. Try to make sure there’s healthy, nutritious food ready for whenever she needs it — feeding a baby is hungry work.
Recommended reading: Where to Get Breastfeeding Help & Support
Support her if difficulties arise
If she’s having any difficulties, listen and support her. Know where to find help, and encourage her to reach out for it. There’s lots of breastfeeding support available, including your Public Health Nurse, La Leche League, Cuidiú, or an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).
How can partners bond with their baby?
- Wear your baby in a sling, take them for a short walk to give your partner a break, or simply rock them in it.
- Partners can do skin-to-skin too — lie your baby on your chest, read to them, or just soak up the newborn cuddles.
- Changing your baby’s nappy is a great way to bond in the early days. Newborns tend to cry a lot during nappy changes at first, but it soon becomes a fun little routine for everyone involved.
- Bathing your baby is a lovely thing to share, and after a few weeks you can bathe together — always a special way to bond.
- Soothing, cuddling and winding your baby after or between feeds gives your partner a break and gives you more cuddle time.
Your new baby has so many needs, and feeding is only one of them. Bonding comes from the special time you spend together right from the start. Remember to praise your partner for the wonderful job she’s doing, giving your baby the best possible start in life.
Recommended reading: 15 Useful Breastfeeding Tips for Moms to Be
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is partner support so important for breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a skill mum and baby learn together, and it can be tiring and challenging in the early days. A supportive partner who helps with practical tasks, protects rest time, and encourages her when things get tough makes it much more likely that breastfeeding will continue successfully.
Should partners attend breastfeeding classes too?
Yes. While these classes are often seen as being just for mums, partners benefit hugely from attending. They’ll understand what to expect, recognise common challenges, and are often the ones who remember key details when it matters most.
What’s the best way for a partner to bond with a breastfed baby?
There are lots of ways — babywearing, skin-to-skin contact, nappy changes, bath time, and soothing or winding the baby between feeds. None of these depend on feeding, so there’s plenty of opportunity for partners to build a close bond from day one.
Where can partners find breastfeeding support if problems come up?
Support is available through your Public Health Nurse, La Leche League, Cuidiú, or an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). Partners can help most by knowing this support exists and encouraging mum to reach out early if she needs it.
Related Articles
- Where to Get Breastfeeding Help & Support
- 15 Useful Breastfeeding Tips for Moms to Be
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