Sure, you might be the one with the breasts full of milk, but that doesn’t mean your partner can’t help you out while you’re getting used to breastfeeding. Sometimes, it feels like us women are doing all the work when a new baby comes along. But dads out there, hear me now — remember to treasure and adore the woman that brought that baby into the world with you. She needs your help now more than ever. And while you might be tired, I can guarantee she’s even more tired than you.
So what can you do to help? Here are some ways you can help her out while she’s breastfeeding, and I can assure you she will appreciate every single one of them.
- Offer your assistance
In the beginning, babies will nurse for up to 45 minutes. And they’ll do so every couple of hours. That leaves her precious little time for anything else. So when she sits with the baby for a feeding, see if there’s anything you can get her. Maybe she’s thirsty or wants a snack. Or maybe she’d love for you to give her the remote control so she can watch a little TV. Even if she needs nothing at all, she’ll be thrilled you asked.
- Take over a feeding or two
My dear friend Ed was delighted when his children were babies because his wife pumped some of her milk out. At night, he was so happy to let her get a rest while he spent time bonding with his children. He told me he treasures these memories more than any others. To do this, have your wife pump some milk and store it. When the baby wakes at night, let your wife sleep while you feed the baby.
- Help with the chores
She’s truly Superwoman, handling all the things that need to be handled in the home. So now that she’s busy with the baby, everything is piling up. Don’t leave more work for her. Help by washing the dishes, putting those dishes away, doing some laundry, cooking, vacuuming, ANYTHING. Nothing is more depressing to a new mom than to find herself with a free moment while the baby sleeps only to have to spend that moment cleaning. Spare her of this, please.
- Change some diapers
After each of my c-sections, my husband changed the diapers for the first few weeks. He did it for every single diaper without a single complaint. Even once things settled down, he still would stop me when I’d go to change a diaper, telling me to go ahead and relax while he handled it. It meant everything to me.
- Be encouraging
Breastfeeding is not always easy. There are moments when moms feel like throwing in the towel. It’s hard and it’s hard work, but it’s so rewarding too. When she feels like giving up, encourage her to stick with it. Help her contact a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding coach to give her more motivation. And if someone ever says anything negative to her about breastfeeding — be it a family member or a total stranger — stand up for her and stand with her.
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