Dads are the #1 support person for the new mother. When Dads support breastfeeding, mothers are more likely to succeed and reach their breastfeeding goals. However, many dads are clueless as to how to help the new mother. They sometimes feel left out when the baby breastfeeds.

Dads...you are priceless to the new mother and baby!

Does the breastfeeding experience make you feel left out and do you worry you that you'll have a harder time bonding and developing a relationship with your baby than your partner will?

Are you feeling inadequate, thinking that nothing you do for your child could ever compare to your partner's contribution?

Do you believe that because women breastfeed, they have knowledge and skills that automatically make them better parents and you a lesser parent?

Stay tuned because there's no doubt about it: feeding is one of the most important aspects of caring for an infant. But you don't have to back off just because she's got the food supply taken care of. Dads have a very important role to play in breastfeeding. Dads can teach their babies that there is more to love than food, and that there is a world outside of Mommy. And besides, at around 6 months you become the designated solid food feeder!

• Spend plenty of time just hanging out with your baby
• Take your baby for walks in the sling or stroller
• Put your baby in a sling and go grocery shopping
• Play on the floor together
• Take showers together

This gives you and your baby a chance to be alone. The more this happens, the more confident you'll feel about your own abilities as a parent.

Caring for mom while forging your own relationship with your baby will enrich both your life and Mom's, too. Doing sweet things for mom will help her feel rejuvenated. 

• Comfort: Make sure mom is comfortable while breastfeeding.
• Accessories: Be sure she has any needed accessories close at hand such as pillows, a foot stool and something to drink.
• Help mom with feedings by changing and burping the baby. 
• Bring baby to mom for feedings.  Yes, even in the middle of the night!
• Offer to help with household responsibilities such as cleaning, laundry, shopping and errand 
• Cook a meal or ask someone else to cook or bring a meal.  Warm food is always a treat and very satisfying.  Make sure mom has quick, nutritious snacks easily available 
• Spend time with older children so mom can spend time with the baby, sleep, etc. 
• Draw a warm bath for mom.  Make the bathroom as soothing as possible with soft lighting, quiet music and flowers.  Take care of baby while mom enjoys some rest.  
• Place mom's bath towel in the clothes dryer for 10 minutes so she can enjoy a warm wrap after her shower or bath. 
• Offer to give mom a foot massage using her favorite lotion. 
• Make sure mom gets the sleep she needs throughout the night and encourage her to nap during the day. She needs a great deal of rest after childbirth to recover her strength and to feel energized.  Protect her quiet time by answering the phone. 
• Be a ‘gatekeeper', if necessary, shielding mom from pushy visitors or unhelpful advice.
  

• Give your baby a bath.
• Cuddle and walk with your baby - movement is calming for many babies.
• Give your baby a massage.  Stroking and gentle massage can be soothing for baby.
• Hold your baby while mom showers, naps or eats a warm meal.
• Talk and sing to your baby.  Babies learn to speak from hearing lots of talking.

Spend time with the baby on your bare chest; touching, stroking, holding, or talking softly. Babies thrive on skin-to-skin contact. Allow your baby to get used to your body: the different breathing sounds, touch, walk, and deeper voice than mom. The male voice box structures vibrate more noticeably and babies can feel these vibrations against their head. These touches are different than mother's and are very important for your baby. It is as if your child will be given two nicely different desserts.

Just For Dads. © 2008 Madeline Browning