The baby is here! Mom is feeling exhausted, but elated, that she's arrived. She wants to breastfeed her baby and is excited to embark on this endeavor. Now she needs your support. You probably have concerns of your own. If you were formula-fed, you may have a more difficult time understanding what she wants to do especially since you're a healthy and beautiful person now. These days, we know so much about the importance of breastfeeding for both mom and baby. Let's address those concerns so that you and your partner can give your baby the best start in life.
Why does family support matter?
You're both new parents. You have valid fears and concerns about what is best for your baby. This is completely normal. Mom needs your support at this stage more than at any other point. Studies have shown that family and friends play a significant role in the feeding decisions that new moms make. When she feels supported, she feels much more confident and will breastfeeding longer. When she doesn't feel supported, she feels overcome by her new obligation and she is more likely to quit breastfeeding at an early stage.
What's the big deal about exclusive breastfeeding?
Everyone wants to do what is best for their new baby. The question always comes up about why breastfeeding is so important. In the 1960's and 1970's, breastfeeding was very out-of-style in most parts of the world. Myriad doctors and parents felt that formula was better than breast milk. Formula companies had everyone believing that it contained "everything that babies need." Breastfeeding advocates then set out to prove the same about breast milk, which we now realize is perfectly created to be your baby's only food. We know that breast milk has all the nutrients that babies need to grow; antibodies against germs that mom has been exposed to so the baby is well-protected; immune factors that keep your baby healthy and boost the immune system; enzymes to help the baby to digest breast milk; and growth factors and hormones that help the baby to develop and stay strong. Babies who are exclusively breastfed are less likely to get sick and if they do, the severity is greatly reduced. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months. After those 6 months, babies can be given complementary foods and breastfed. Breastfeeding may continue for at least 12 months or until "mutually agreeable."
So what can I do?
If you were breastfed yourself, you may feel strongly about the process. If you weren't and you have concerns about how your child is being fed, talk to a lactation consultant. She will be able to tell you how to know if the baby is getting enough milk, gaining enough weight, and generally doing well. There are many other things that you can do to help your partner to breastfeed successfully and for you to feel involved in the feedings:
- Understand the ins-and-outs of breastfeeding. Take a prenatal breastfeeding class or attend a postpartum breastfeeding support group together.
- Give a bottle of expressed milk and have mom take a break from a particular feeding. You'll be able to bond with the baby in your own special way while she gets some well-deserved rest.
- Help out with household chores or errands that need to get done so that mom feels relaxed during the times she is feeding.
- Take the baby out for a stroll while mom rests.
