Do what you can to make your wife’s breastfeeding experience easier through the following recommendations!

While most people know that breastfeeding is extremely beneficial to your baby’s growth and development, it can be hard to understand how you, as a dad, can do your part during this time.

We’ve listed 8 of the best ways you can help your wife in her breastfeeding journey.

 

You educated yourself about breastfeeding

Amongst the numerous parenting books out there, there are many that detail the ins and outs of breastfeeding, including the benefits and challenges faced by some women. There is also the popular option of taking a breastfeeding class with your wife – classes are available at many locations found through a quick google search or at websites such as mother&child, which includes a range of other pregnancy related classes to help before and after the baby has arrived.

These classes and books will equip you with information that will allow you to show your full support and understanding of what your wife is going through.

Empathise and Encourage

Due to the difficulty many women face as new mums on top of the hormonal changes they will be experiencing, your wife will appreciate hearing positives words of affirmation from you – these words will also be welcome in the more carefree times as your constant support is always valued.

Examples of what you could say include complimenting her on how lucky your child is to have your wife as their mum, how beautiful she looks and how impressed you are by her. As much as you can, it is important to empathise with how she is feeling daily.

Look after older children

While your wife is busy with the new baby, older children may feel left out. It is important they feel that they are an essential part of your family and are equally as loved as the new arrival.

Allow your older children to feel your full attention by taking them on special outings to an activity that they will love and enjoy. It is also important to let them know that you’re there for them if they need to talk. You could also give them the opportunity to feel included by finding little ways they can help with the baby.

Do the chores

The last thing your wife will want to do or have the energy for is the chores. Making certain chores such as the laundry is done, and the kitchen is clean will take away the stress of trying to find time for them from your wife.

Although she may do it differently, she will appreciate you putting in the effort to step up when she needs you the most. If you’re yet to do this, hurry and do your part to make her life that little bit easier!

Take over mealtimes

Another area that your wife will appreciate you taking over is meal time. This is especially important if you have older children who may still require extra help.

Helping out with the preparation of meals will take excess pressure off your wife while she has the baby essentially attached to her at all times. You do not have to become a Michelin star chef and whip up intricate and extravagant meals – something simple or even takeout will be more than appreciated.

Wake with her at night

It’s common knowledge that a part of having a new baby is that you’re likely to get little to no sleep. While your wife is breastfeeding, she is the one that will be getting up regularly to feed the baby, and so will appreciate your acknowledgement of the sleep deprivation she will be experiencing.

While in this period, you can help by stepping up to do diaper changes, taking the older children to school, or taking over feeding time when she begins expressing her breastmilk into bottles.

Know the ins and outs of breastfeeding products

There are what seems to be an endless number of products used by breastfeeding mothers. The list includes; creams, nipple shields, nursing pillows, hot and cold therapy pads, nursing bras, and breast pumps.

Here is a list of popular products you may need to wrap your head around.

Knowing which products she needs and how they all work will be invaluable in the moments where she will reach out and ask for your help – this may be to re-purchase a product or to help with cleaning and sterilising products such as her breast pump.

Listen and understand her needs

Becoming intimate post-baby is likely to be a daunting thought for your wife. By sitting with her and talking to her about what she feels is essential in showing your support and understanding that this may take some time. Letting her know there is no pressure for her to feel the need to rush back into that area of your relationship is vital in helping her feel comfortable in herself.

Pregnancy can make your wife feel unsure or uncomfortable in her body due to changes such as weight gain. Complimenting her and her body and showing her the same attention you did before she had your baby will give her the confidence she deserves.

You never know when the moment may occur, so show your patience and love to her anyway you can.