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Benefits
of Breastfeeding
Getting
Started
Fathers
and Breast Feeding
Adequate
Milk Supply
Challenges
and Concerns Engorgement
Plugged Duct
Mastitis
Drugs
and Breastfeeding
Storage
of Breast Milk
Nutrition
During Lactation
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Fathers
and Breastfeeding:
WHAT THE FATHER CAN DO TO HELP
Feelings
of jealousy and of being left out are a normal reaction in some fathers
to the intimate relationship between a nursing mother and her baby.
The best way to avoid these kinds of feelings is to be an active participant
in your new baby's life and the way he or she is fed.
Here are just some of the ways a new father can be involved in the care
and feeding of his breastfed infant:
YOU AS A NEW FATHER CAN...
- Bring the baby to the mother when it's time to
nurse.
- Change the baby's diaper before or after nursings
Hold the baby while mother gets herself into a comfortable nursing
position.
- Help to rouse the baby if she's too sleepy to nurse.
- Get your partner something to drink while she is
nursing. (nursing mothers are always thirsty and need extra fluids)
- Take over the child care between nursings so the
mother can get some rest or time to herself.
- Do grocery shopping and keep nutritious snacks
on hand.
- Share in the household chores.
- Reassure your partner that she is doing a good
job and that you think what she is doing is important.
IF PROBLEMS ARISE...
Difficulties which arise in the early weeks
of breastfeeding can seem overwhelming to the mother who is exhausted
from lack of sleep or experiencing pain. Some women question their
ability to continue nursing during this time. It is at this point
that the support and encouragement of the father can contribute greatly
to the success of breastfeeding. Here are some common concerns and
problems you can help to offset:
Doubts about having
enough milk
This is a real concern for many women.
REASSURE your partner that the baby is getting plenty of milk if:
- the baby nurses 8-12 times in 24 hours
- the baby has at least 6 wet and 2 dirty diapers
in 24 hours
- the baby gains 4-7 ounces per week - the baby is
content between feedings
Breastfeeding
works by supply and demand. The more often the infant is put to the
breast, the more milk the mother will have
Sore nipples
This problem
is most often caused by poor positioning of the baby to the breast.
With your partner, check that your baby is latching onto the areola
(brown part) of the breast and not just sucking on the nipple itself.
Remind mom to alternate nursing positions and to air-dry her nipples
for 10-20 minutes after each feeding.
  
  
 
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