As Certified Breastfeeding Counselors, we spend quite a bit of time supporting the lactating parent and baby. However, we also support the entire family unit, especially the partner. CBCs can support partners in many ways.

It’s important to recognize that the partner plays a crucial role in this process as well. Certified breastfeeding counselors are not just there to support the breastfeeding parent; they are also invaluable in guiding and empowering partners.

In fact, research shows that including both parents in breastfeeding support increases the likelihood of parents meeting personal breastfeeding goals.

The Partner’s Role in Breastfeeding

Partners tend to be the primary source of physical, practical, and emotional support for a breastfeeding parent. Yet, many partners aren’t sure how to help or what their role is. Afterall, newborns can breastfeed for up to 16 hours per day, what is the other parent’s role during all those hours?

This is where you step in. By educating and involving partners from the beginning, counselors can help them feel more confident and connected in their role. It is common for some partners to feel disconnected from early parenthood as the breastfeeding parent must be very hands on.

As a CBC you can help partners with:

Education About Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding counselors provide partners with evidence-based knowledge about breastfeeding. Helping partners understand how it works (e.g. latching, supply vs demand), what to expect, and common challenges. When partners understand the physiology of breastfeeding, they can be more proactive in supporting the breastfeeding journey.

For example, when they understand supply and demand, and cluster feeding, they better understand why their partner may need extra support in the evening or during growth spurts.

It is also helpful to dispel any myths related to breastfeeding. Partners might have misconceptions about breastfeeding. By helping to clear up these myths, you are supporting the partner in a way which helps them better support the breastfeeding parent.

Emotional Support For Partners

Yes, the early postpartum period is certainly challenging for the breastfeeding parent. However, it is a time of stress, anxiety (and yes, also joy) for partners too.

It can be helpful to reassure partners that it can be common to feel overwhelmed when trying to support the breastfeeding parent. When breastfeeding is time consuming, a lot of other parenting and household tasks fall to the partner.

You can also reassure partners that there are plenty of ways to bond with baby besides feeding. Helping partners find ways to bond with baby can help build their confidence in their role as a parent.

By helping partners understand the challenges of breastfeeding can also help them be more empathetic and understanding towards the breastfeeding parent. This can strengthen the bond between partners and ultimately provide emotional support for both parents.

Teach Partners About Practical Support

Educating partners about ways to support the breastfeeding parent is important. From encouraging them to participate in nighttime routines, diapering, walks, etc., you help them find ways to bond while giving the breastfeeding parent a break.

You can also educate about the increased hydration and calorie needs. Partners can play an important role in ensuring the breastfeeding parent is nourished. It is also important to help partners understand the power of a nap! The early weeks and months of breastfeeding include lots of sleep interruptions overnight. Taking over care for the baby for a stretch of time so the breastfeeding parent can nap can be hugely beneficial.

We know that breastfeeding is the biologically normal food for human infants. As such, it provides optimal nutrition. It is also the physiological next step following a pregnancy and thus plays an important role in postpartum healing, such as aiding in involution. To help more families reach their breastfeeding goals, it is important we provide holistic, whole family support.