How Daddy Can Make Breastfeeding Easier

The longer mummy breastfeeds, the more daddy gets to save up for that gadget he has been wanting.

Most expectant fathers know that breastfeeding is the best way to feed their babies. Breastfed babies receive higher nutrients and are at lower risks of many dangerous diseases

Plus, breastfeeding does not require any cleaning up, does not cause a mess and works as a great mummy-baby bonding activity. Also, breastfed babies’ poops smell a whole lot better then babies who are fed with formula milk.

Even so, a lot of fathers’ sort of find this whole breastfeeding experience a little overwhelming once the baby is born. It is not that they are totally against it, this only happens probably because they feel a little left out from this little family activity.

But don’t worry dads, we are not going to make you get breast implants and start breastfeeding your baby just so you get to connect with your little baby. As we all know, fathers obviously cannot breastfeed because they don’t have breast and even if they do have fake ones, they don’t have the female hormones that produce milk.

What they can do though, is provide a tremendous amount of encouragement, moral support and physical proximity, all of which would help make mummy’s life a whole lot easier and calm, especially if she is a first time mom.

Many young urban dads are proud to carry their babies and post photos of them changing diapers and rocking their babies to sleep. However, when it comes to feeding, they make it seem like if they join in, it is sort of trespassing mummy’s territory. Feeling like the role cannot be substituted is absolutely incorrect.

It is common that a family with a newborn baby receives a lot of help from grandmothers, aunts, neighbours, nannies and domestic helpers, which leave very little room for dad to even, offer any help at all. Most of the time, dads feel as if the only time they can actually start bonding with their children is when the child is old enough to clean himself up or when the two can play games together.

The custom of leaving dad on the sidelines in the first two years of the child’s existence is not beneficial at all when it comes to breastfeeding. It is believed that a husband’s support can successfully increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding up to 98 percent.

Although breastfeeding is super beneficial to your new baby, a mother may go through a lot of problems breastfeeding, especially in the first six weeks after delivery. She may suffer with sore nipples, milk supply problems, a fussy baby and at the same time have to deal with baby blues.

Breastfeeding challenges can also come from the support system, especially in laws and other outsiders. People believe in so many superstitions such as no feeding your baby while your hair is wet or don’t eat seafood or your milk will smell and taste fishy, which is not going to be good for your baby and so on.

Dads can contribute valuable support in the breastfeeding process. One way is by burping the baby. A dad’s shoulder and flat chest provide perfect pressure on the baby’s tummy to help release uncomfortable air bubbles. Also, his deep humming is more comforting than a mom’s higher pitched tone. Dad can also be the perfect diplomat for dealing with grannies.

Since supporting a family in today’s economy can seem overwhelming, the cost savings of breastfeeding are also a good benefit for fathers as well as mothers. A family’s income can stretch that much further if there is no formula to buy, and breastfed babies generally have fewer health problems, resulting in lower health care costs. Many feel they can’t afford not to breastfeed. Also a healthier baby is a happier baby, and there may be fewer long nights of staying up with a sick or cranky baby.

Breast milk is very easy to digest and a breastfed baby’s stools are generally looser and easier for baby to pass. The stools have a buttermilk-like odor, making diaper changes more pleasant. Breastfed babies feel so soft and sweet, they’re a joy to hold and cuddle. All of these things are what make breastfeeding important to the whole family, and fathers, as well as other family members, can benefit from these and many other benefits of breastfeeding.

Fathers are very important to their babies. Both parents have a lot to offer their children, and the differences between mothers and fathers are just as important as their similarities. Each parent can develop their own relationship with their child and do it in their own way. Feeding isn’t the only way to bond with a baby; there are many different ways. The differences are what a child will come to expect and treasure from his parents. Let your unique parenting style be a part of your child’s life and you will have a relationship to cherish. Happy Father’s Day to all daddies and soon to be daddies!