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Breastfeeding is a time-consuming process that may require various forms of assistance for women to initiate and maintain optimal breastfeeding practices.
Fundamentally, it is crucial to listen to the needs of women during breastfeeding. The role of the father is considered a significant factor in supporting the journey of breastfeeding. Assisting the wife is one of the best indicators of exclusive and optimal breastfeeding.
Mothers are more likely to choose long-term breastfeeding when they receive proper support from their partners. Studies (1) suggest that increased father support correlates with longer breastfeeding duration. Additionally, when fathers actively support and maintain breastfeeding, the mother's absenteeism from work is reduced, commitment rates are higher, male partners experience less stress, and expenses related to infant health problems decrease.
How can fathers assist in the breastfeeding process?
Fathers can help in the breastfeeding process by assisting their wives with various tasks, including household chores, childcare, paying attention to their wives' nutrition, ensuring rest and sleep, and assisting in newborn care.
According to a survey (2), nine out of twelve fathers believe that their role in supporting their wives is crucial in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding.
Encouragement and emotional support are vital:
Provide words of encouragement and praise for the mother's breastfeeding efforts.
Show confidence in her ability to provide sufficient milk for the baby.
Be present and understanding:
Be available to listen to the mother's feelings and needs.
Providing emotional support can enhance her self-confidence.
Participate in childcare decisions:
Encourage joint decision-making in childcare to foster trust and communication between parents.
Assistance in daily tasks:
Help with household chores to alleviate the mother's stress and allow her sufficient time for rest and breastfeeding.
Provide comfort and relaxation for the mother between breastfeeding sessions.
Learning and knowledge:
Read and research together, enhancing shared knowledge about breastfeeding and healthy nutrition.
Attend courses and workshops to increase knowledge and confidence.
Pampering and health care:
Encourage the mother to take care of herself, including healthy nutrition and light exercise.
Provide nutritional support by preparing and offering healthy meals to replenish her energy.
Seeking information and inquiries:
Encourage communication with experts, such as lactation consultants, for any questions or challenges.
Respect and support for the mother's decisions:
Respect the mother's decisions regarding breastfeeding, as it is a personal choice that your support can boost.
Consistency and patience:
Be patient and understanding, recognizing that breastfeeding may take time and effort. Continuous support is crucial for the mother.
Remember: Every mother and child are unique, so adapting advice to their specific needs is essential. Read also: [Does the husband have a role in the success of breastfeeding?] How to build and strengthen the bond between you and your child?
Childcare extends beyond breastfeeding, and there are several ways to care for and enhance communication with your child. The more time you spend with your child, the more your parental confidence grows. Here are some suggestions on how fathers can interact with their breastfeeding infants:
Carrying the baby:
Hold your baby and interact with them when they are awake.
Skin-to-skin contact:
Direct skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) strengthens the bond between you and your child.
Providing daily care for the baby:
Assist with tasks like burping the baby after each feeding or organizing bathing time, which can be enjoyable for both of you.
Having some fun:
Spending time playing with your child is beneficial for both of you. When your child is a newborn or an infant, you can sit on the floor for some time, sing a song, or make funny faces and engaging sounds.
For more information, you can schedule a consultation appointment
How can breastfeeding benefit fathers?
Did you know that breastfeeding has specific benefits for you as well? Here are some advantages of breastfeeding for fathers that you might not have noticed:
Cost-effectiveness:
Breastfeeding is not costly, eliminating the need to spend money on formula, bottles, or pacifiers.
Less effort for outings:
There are fewer items to pack and carry when leaving the house, making outings easier for everyone.
Ease of nighttime breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding is a simpler process in the middle of the night, as there is no need to get up to prepare bottles.
These are just a few ways in which breastfeeding can be beneficial for both mothers and fathers.
In a study conducted in the United Kingdom (3), breastfeeding was described as an easy option despite its initial challenges. It was deemed suitable for fathers as it is convenient and comfortable for mothers. Fathers also emphasized the lack of need for bottle preparation or concerns about running out of milk.
Paternity Leave
Paternity leave is crucial for fathers who have a role in taking responsibility for and caring for their children. Allowing fathers the opportunity to take leave from work in the months following their children's birth enhances the mental and physical health of mothers in the postpartum period.
According to a study in Indonesia (4), it was concluded that having specific paternity leave policies regulating the rights of male workers is necessary. Such policies support their wives in the breastfeeding journey and have the potential to improve infant health. The more fathers participate in supporting breastfeeding, the higher the success rate for mothers.
Father's Role in Providing Financial Support for Breastfeeding
The father's role in providing and evaluating equipment, medications, and financial support for breastfeeding cannot be ignored. Therefore, supplying necessary equipment and essentials can significantly contribute to the success of the breastfeeding experience:
Purchase of Essential Supplies:
This includes buying water bottles, milk storage containers, breast shields, nursing pads, and other tools that may be useful for the mother during the breastfeeding period.
Ensure a Comfortable Nursing Space:
Confirm that there is a quiet and comfortable place where the mother can relax and breastfeed easily.
Support in Providing Necessary Medications:
Such as vitamins and supplements that can help boost milk production.
Assessment of Needs:
Participation in selecting the right equipment; the father may be familiar with the items needed for a successful breastfeeding experience.
Financial Support:
Providing financial support to purchase necessary supplies, as some equipment can be costly, can be a significant contribution to the success of breastfeeding.
Offering financial support for healthcare: Providing health insurance or covering medical expenses can contribute to providing necessary healthcare for both the mother and the child.
For more information, you can schedule a consultation appointment
Father's Role in Taking on Household Responsibilities and Providing Support to the Breastfeeding Mother
Fathers can contribute significantly to cleaning and maintaining the home. Here are some tasks that fathers can undertake:
Daily Cleaning:
Clean the floors and common areas in the home.
Clean and sanitize bathrooms.
Wash dishes and organize the kitchen.
Clean and organize the living room and arrange furniture.
Laundry and Ironing:
Wash and dry clothes.
Iron clothes and organize them in the wardrobe.
Minor Maintenance and Repairs:
Fix small things such as installing lights, repairing faucets, and fixing small appliances.
Maintain gardens and mow the lawn.
Shopping and Meal Preparation:
Grocery shopping and purchasing necessary items.
Contribute to meal preparation and participate in cooking.
Childcare and Enjoyment:
Accompany children in activities and games.
Change diapers and care for children in the mother's presence.
Planning and Organization:
Contribute to creating the family schedule and determining activities.
Organize and arrange items in the home.
Emotional Support and Encouragement:
Provide support and encouragement to family members during stress and difficulties.
Personal Care:
Assist in the care of children or family members who need special support.
Read also: [The Mother Also Needs Care]
For more information, you can schedule a consultation appointment
Final Words from Mommy Zone Team
Remember that caring for your child goes beyond just breastfeeding. Participating as a team and keeping communication lines open will not only help you and your spouse enjoy the experience of welcoming a new baby into your lives, but it will also bring you closer as a couple and family.
Most new mothers and fathers agree that sharing their work stories and helping each other in the process of feeding the baby is the best outcome. Practical and emotional support from fathers is crucial for effective breastfeeding, boosting the mother's morale, and allowing her to maintain an adequate milk supply.
References:
1) Yasmin Mithani, 2015, Exploring Fathers’ Role in Breastfeeding Practices in the Urban and Semiurban Settings of Karachi, Pakistan, The Journal of Perinatal Education
2) Yasmin Mithani, 2015, Exploring Fathers’ Role in Breastfeeding Practices in the Urban and Semiurban Settings of Karachi, Pakistan
3) Amy Brown, 2014, Fathers' experiences of supporting breastfeeding: challenges for breastfeeding promotion and education, Maternal & Child Nutrition journal
4) Angga Sisca Rahadian, 2021, Paternity Leave: A Potential Policy for Improving Child Health