Family and friends

If you’re a grandparent, good friend, or even a helpful neighbour, you too can play a vital role in helping mum breastfeed the baby.

We all know how much time a baby takes. All the extra washing, getting the bath ready and the breastfeeding – all on less sleep than we’re probably used to. So, a new mum needs all the help she can get, and that’s where you come in.

Simply helping around the house can make a huge difference to mum’s newly chaotic life. Try doing some of the following:

hang up the washing
put the kettle on
prepare a meal
do the ironing
wash the dishes
help out with older children.

The list of jobs is endless!

Don’t think that if mum breastfeeds, you won’t get a chance to have time with the baby. All mums – no matter how devoted they are – need a break in their day.

Below are some simple ideas that will give mum a well-earned break and you some special time with the new arrival.

Take baby for a walk round the house. By simply showing babies their new world you’ll be stimulating their vision and helping develop their senses.
Talk and sing to baby. They’ll love the movement and sounds and come to know your voice.
Babies love playing games. From just one month of age, a baby will react to the sound of a rattle.
Spend time making happy faces and funny noises. You’ll find it lifts your mood as well as delights the baby. Cuddles are great for both of you.
Take the baby into a calm, quiet room and settle in for lovely, comfort time. Rock them, gently stroking the side of their face or back, and hold them so they can hear your heartbeat. They’ll soon start looking forward to these special times with you.

One of the hardest problems new mums can face (external website) is the feeling of isolation. Her whole world has changed now baby has finally arrived and she needs time and support to adjust to her new, important role.

When the going gets tough, it’s great to have a close friend or family member on hand for support. If you’re around when mum sits down to breastfeed, put the kettle on and join her for a long chat. It will do mum a world of good.

Remember to tell mum she is doing a great job! Support and encouragement from her close family and friends will help mum continue breastfeeding and make her proud that she is giving her baby the best start in life.