What do you think is the factor that most influences whether or not a woman breastfeeds?
Dad!
Breastfeeding continues the exclusive relationship the mother and infant experienced during pregnancy," says Pamela Jordan, an associate professor in the Department of Family and Child Nursing at the University of Washington. (Jordan is one of the few researchers to explore the effects of breastfeeding on men.) For dads of breastfed babies, it's common to feel some or all of the following:
Worry that you'll have a harder time bonding and developing a relationship with your baby than your partner will
A sense of inadequacy, thinking that nothing you do for your child could ever compare to your partner's contribution
Resentment of the baby who has physically "come between" you and your partner
Belief that because women breastfeed, they have knowledge and skills that automatically make them better parents
There's no doubt about it: Feeding is one of the most important aspects of caring for an infant. And that means that if mom is breastfeeding, dad may be at a bit of a disadvantage.
But dad doesn't have to back off just because she's got the food supply taken care of. Studies show that the more supportive their partners are, the longer women breastfeed and the more confident they feel about their ability to do so. Here are a few specific ways you can help:
Be supportive and thoughtful.
Mother and baby are falling in love. It is an intense experience and unlike anything she's experienced before. You may feel left out or even jealous. That's normal. Talking about it will let your partner know how you're feeling. She may have no idea!
Make sure to get a lot of skin-to-skin contact
with your baby.
Quality cuddle time with baby can help you feel more connected. You can experience "breastfeeding" by holding your baby against your bare chest. All that nuzzling and skin to skin contact will help you get to know each other. Mommy will fall in love with you even more just watching you nurture your baby in that way.
Nourish your wife
Your wife will be hungry and thirsty and she may not even realize it. Show your love by bringing her nutritious snacks and a glass of water when she's breastfeeding. She'll need reminders to use good ergonomics. Make sure she is well supported with pillows under her arms and behind her back. Remind her to relax and give her a little shoulder rub to help out with that.
Be patient if your partner seems less
interested in sex than in pre-baby days
She may feel all "touched out" from nursing your baby, and because nursing women have lower amounts of estrogen, she may have less vaginal lubrication. This can cause uncomfortable or painful intercourse. So instead of assuming that your partner isn't aroused by you anymore, stock up on a good water-based lubricant for when she is in the mood.
Mom, be accepting and grateful.
He desperately wants to paricipate.
by Armin Brott (modified)
Robin Hollen RN, M.Ed, IBCLC
4741 Caughlin Parkway #3
Reno, NV 89519
775-240-9916
www.wellnourishedbaby.com
Facebook:
Starfish Lactation
Facebook:
NevadaBreastfeeds
Email:
info@wellnourishedbaby.com
No comments:
Post a Comment