Family and friends
If you’re Dad, a grandparent, good friend, or even a helpful neighbour, you can play a vital role in helping a new mum breastfeed her 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.
Dads
Most people think that breastfeeding is just about mum and baby. But dad plays an important role too. To ensure the baby gets the best start in life, dads need to support mum as she gets to grips with breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding gives mum time to connect with her baby, but you can get that special bond too. After all, you’ve waited a long time to meet your bundle of joy. Here are a few easy ways you can spend quality time with your baby.
- Bath times are fun for everyone and can be a fantastic way for dads to bond with baby
- Reading a story is a great way to spend time together. Your baby will grow to recognise and love the sound of your voice
- Changing nappies needn’t be a chore. Look at it as a chance to bond. Sing songs, pull funny faces or simply talk to your baby: they'll love the one-to-one attention and mum will love the break
Friends and family
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.
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 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 her 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.
