As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC), you support entire family units through the breastfeeding experience. While we often think in terms of providing support to a mother and baby, our work extends beyond that. We can support our clients by helping them know how partners can be part of the breastfeeding process.
Partners play a big role in breastfeeding. In fact, research shows that women are ten times more likely to initiate breastfeeding when partners are supportive. As a CBC you can help educate parents about the role they can both play.
Partners Can Be Part of Breastfeeding By Learning About The Process
One of the best ways partners can support a breastfeeding mother is by learning about breastfeeding. When they understand the complexities, time commitment, and process of lactation they can best support their partner.
Taking a prenatal breastfeeding class is an excellent way to learn. They can also read books, articles, and talk with a professional, such as you, a CBC.
They should be sure to learn about:
- The supply demand process of lactation
- Early breastfeeding initiation, especially the golden hour
- How to support their partner in staying hydrated, getting nutrition, and support them resting
- Ways to bond which do not include feeding
Some research found “teaching fathers how to prevent and to manage the most common lactation difficulties is associated with higher rates of breastfeeding at six months”.
Partners Can Be Supportive and Encouraging
Part of supporting breastfeeding is understanding all that it involves. Newborns and young infants breastfeed 8-12 times per day. Each feeding can be ten to forty minutes. In the evening, they can cluster feed on and off for an hour or more straight.
Helping partners understand this normal infant feeding behavior as well as the toll it can take on the mother is an important part of support. As a CBC you can help educate partners about the realities of breastfeeding.
It is helpful for partners to understand the benefit of oxytocin when it comes to breastfeeding. Oxytocin is best released when people feel safe, cared about, loved, positive touch, etc. There is naturally occurring oxytocin with skin-to-skin with baby and latching. Oxytocin aids in the let down reflex.
Partners can aid in relaxation and encouragement, feeling safe, and feeling loved, to help support oxytocin. Gentle massage, encouraging words, and a positive environment can be a great way to support breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is hard work, especially in the early days of initiation. Helping partners understand how to help is an important part of a CBC’s role in supporting families.
Partners Can Provide Practical Support
As a CBC, you are aware just how many hours are spent breastfeeding in the early days. In addition to hours spent breastfeeding, there’s typical infant care, and lack of sleep.
Partners can offer immense practical help to make breastfeeding initiation and ongoing lactation manageable. Some ways they can help include:
- Helping with basic tasks to ensure she is eating
- Keep her water bottle full
- “Packing” an easy to grab lunch when they return to work
- Aid in running errands
- Help more with household chores or hire additional help
- Burp, change, and soothe baby between feeds
- Bond with baby by taking them for walks, babywearing, rocking, etc. so she can have a break between feeds
- Be patient and understanding as breastfeeding can take a lot of her time
- Support her with pumping, washing pump parts, etc. if she needs to pump for extra feeds or returning to work
Partners Can Be A Part of Breastfeeding By Working With The Professionals
When possible, a partner attending any lactation appointments can be a great way to support their partner. During a lactation visit with you, you are likely to provide a good bit of information. Having a partner take notes, ask questions, etc. can be vital. After appointments, the partner can aid in implementing any recommendations provided by you or an IBCLC.
As a CBC you can help by including the partner in the visit. Ask if they have any questions. Provide general information about how they can support breastfeeding. Help them understand the benefits of breastfeeding.
Including partners in breastfeeding preparation, education, initiation, and ongoing feeding is a great way to help families reach lactation goals. While the breastfeeding parent is putting in immense work, when they can work as a team, they are more likely to meet lactation goals.