7 Ways To Support A Breast / Chest Feeding Parent

Feb 20

Being the breast / chest feeding parent is A LOT of work.

It requires almost completely surrendering control of your own body for days, months, maybe even years. From the number of hours spent having someone eat off of your body, to making any necessary dietary changes, to being the one who has to wonder if the baby is getting enough, to dealing with any potential painful hiccups (clogged ducts, cracked nipples, getting bit, nipple blebs, and mastitis - to name a few) etc etc etc, it’s a HUGE responsibility that needs to be supported.

(it’s also one of the most beautiful and lovely and amazing and precious things ever but that’s not what this post is about ;) ;)

If you have a partner who is making this massive contribution to the well being of your family - you may be wondering what you can do to actually support them during their journey.

So, here are 6 tangible ways you can offer support to your breast / chest feeding partner:

ACKNOWLEDGE
One of the easiest ways you can support your breast / chest feeding partner is to acknowledge them. Don’t assume they know how grateful you are that they’ve taken on this responsibility. Let them know how proud you are of them. Thank them, often - because they’re feeding your baby often and it’s a 24/7 job. Write them thank you notes. Listen when they want to talk about something feeding related. Let them know how lucky your baby is to have them. Let them know how much it means to you that they’re willing to give up yet another night with friends, that they’re willing to take on most of the nighttime parenting, that they’re willing to skip that third cup of coffee - or second glass of wine.
FEED & HYDRATE THEM
Get in the habit of bringing them a glass of water or a cup of tea while they’re feeding. If you won’t be home- fill a water bottle for them and leave it where they typically nurse. Make sure your home is stocked with healthy, easy to eat one handed snacks. Make a basket of things they might need while nursing, place it next to them (such as a few snack bars, some nuts, an apple, water, the remote, a burp cloth, etc) and replenish it as needed.
PAMPER THEM
Do whatever you can to make them comfortable. Offer pillows, a blanket, stool, foot/shoulder/head massage, anything really that would add to their comfort and relaxation level.
CHOOSE 1+ HOUSEHOLD TASK TO DO SOLO
While breast / chest feeding (especially before your baby begins solids) your partner is 100% responsible for making milk for your baby. Even if they pump and your baby takes a bottle, your partner is still going through the work of producing and pumping milk - a job no one else is capable of. So, pick a job and do all of it (or more than one job even!)
Things you could consider taking over: when you’re home, you could change all of the diapers, wash all pump parts as needed, do all of the grocery shopping, do the whole family’s laundry, do all of the cooking, be on dish duty everyday, etc) Talk with your partner about what might be the most helpful for them!
TAKE ACTION
If your partner is having any struggles with breast / chest feeding (which- there’s a good chance at some point it’ll become challenging in some way) You don’t necessarily need to have the answers - but be prepared to get them.
Research lactation consultants or support groups. Call and make the appointments. Attend any appointments and support groups. Get the baby dressed and ready to go, back the diaper bag.
Read and educate yourself on all things breast / chest feeding. Your partner has to learn this all out of necessity but they shouldn’t be alone in this.
DOCUMENT
It doesn’t matter how bad of a photographer you are, take photos often. There is something so beautiful about a photo of a baby/toddler nursing. The journey will go so quick in the long run and you’ll both be so grateful you have photos to look back on. The bond created during breast / chest feeding is so beautiful and often the weaning process can be pretty bittersweet, so having lots of photos from all of those nursing / bonding sessions will really mean a lot to your partner. And if you REALLY feel like your candid shots are not up to par, hire a photographer to come take some professional photos ;)