How Men Can Help Promote Successful Breastfeeding

Obviously mothers do the actual breastfeeding, but fathers help breastfeeding success in myriad ways through both practical and emotional support. Breastfeeding is joyful work, yet can be difficult. A support team is integral to early nursing success and men play a big role in the long-term efficacy of women's nursing.

#1 Way that Men Promote Successful Breastfeeding: Be Her Cheerleader

Tell her what a great job she is doing. Especially when a woman is new to breastfeeding, she is dealing with postpartum emotions, and is sleep deprived, any little challenge can be enough to start a torrent of tears and self doubt. Men should tell her how lucky the baby is to have her, how proud he is of her for nursing, and that she is beautiful. Say whatever will most amp up her confidence; be her cheerleader.

#2 Way that Men Promote Successful Breastfeeding: Water

Bring drinks to a nursing mother. Breastfeeding women get thirsty because their bodies are working hard to produce nutrients for the nursing baby. Many women feel parched as soon as her baby latches on, and it's too late to get up and get a glass of water. This is where the father/partner/husband can pitch in and bring over water glasses or establish a basket of water bottles within easy reach near her nursing station. Similarly, he can bring her easy-to-hold snacks or even feed her while the baby is nursing.

#3 Way that Men Promote Successful Breastfeeding: Diaper Duty

Take responsibility for diaper duty. Bring the baby to his mother with a clean diaper before or after nursing. Breastfed babies frequently make even more dirty diapers than formula-fed babies, and when men take over the diapers, it gives mothers a break and a much-needed moment to herself.

#4 Way that Men Promote Successful Breastfeeding: Sleep

Let her sleep. She will be up every two hours (at least) around the clock for the first couple of weeks or even months, and some children don't sleep through the night for their first year of life. Take over a mid-night feeding with a bottle of expressed breast milk, or stay up with the baby and let the breastfeeding mother go back to sleep. When possible, encourage her to take a nap or get off her feet.

#5 Way that Men Promote Successful Breastfeeding: Be a Breastfeeding Advocate

Only women can lactate and actually breastfeed their babies, but men's support frequently promotes breastfeeding success. Men's public support can help reduce the barriers to breastfeeding, encourage women to breastfeed their children, and educate those who do not know all of the benefits of breastfeeding and women's right to do so.

These five areas are just a few of the methods through which men promote successful breastfeeding every day. Through both practical and emotional support, men can participate in the breastfeeding experience.