Daddy's Turn :-)
What about dads? What can they do to help with nursing? Does mom get more work and more bonding time and dad is left out in the cold? The answer is that daddy can help! Okay, well he might not have the boobs but there are things he can do.
Be supportive Experts say this is the number 1 thing dads can do. No matter what, having a new born is not a time for dads to be selfish. Your lovely partner has just gone thru 9 long months, labor, and now is post par tum. She is hating her body, is getting little sleep and most likely is home all day while you go back to work. Now more then ever, support her. Learn about breastfeeding and realize what a gift she’s giving to your child. Listen to her without judgment and help her find resources if she needs help. And men, I hate to tell you but leave the boobies alone!!! Sorry to say, women probably won’t want anybody else touching them for a while. They are sore, over worked and we don’t really think it is all that attractive to be leaking milk. Let her know that you are gonna back off and ask her to let you know when it’s okay to touch them again. Don’t ask every few weeks, let her tell you. Instead, explore the rest of her body. The best thing you could do right now is rub her feet, her shoulders, and her back. Do this while she’s nursing and she will be forever grateful. Fill her a water bottle and bring it to her when she’s getting ready to nurse. Make sure to get anything else she might need.
Join in on nursing time Just being near during nursing can be a wonderful time for everyone. Cuddle up and enjoy watching your child together. If you haveolder children, encourage them to sit with you. Read to the little ones while mommy nurses.
Be the post nursing diaper changer Make it your duty to change your baby after nursing. This will allow you both to feel like you are sharing the work.
Find your own bonding time Yeah, mom gets a lot of bonding time by nursing but that doesn’t mean you have to let her have all of it. Try to find something that works on your own without asking for mom’s advice. However, you might want to run your idea past her. For example, if you want bath time to be yours, ask mom if it’s okay. Yes getting some down time is great but bath time can be a wonderful chance for the three of you to bond as a family. Mom might not want you to kick her out of the bathroom every single time. Some ideas that will work follow. Remember, while you are bonding, encourage mom to have some time for her. She can shower without worry, kick up her feet in front of the tv or just relax.
Bonding ideas:
Skin to skin contact in wonderful for babies and will help dad bond. Bathe with baby, put sleeping baby on your chest and just sit in your favorite chair.
Take baby out of the house for a bit. If your baby is full, why sit around the house? If it’s warm out go for a stroll with a carriage or carrier. Put the baby in the car and run some errands. Starting this now will help you to continue as the baby is older. You should always try and find time for your kids, no matter what age.
Read to your baby. Take some time out of your night to read to your baby, no matter how young. Read baby books, story books, the New York Times, who cares? If you have nothing to read just talk. Your child heard your voice for 9 months and is comforted by the sound. Your baby will probably doze during this time but thats okay! You can do this while the baby is on your chest and have a great bonding experience.
Play! Okay, you have to wait a few months for this but when your baby starts interacting, play with them!
Whatever you do, just bond with your baby and support your wife. I know from experience that parenting can make or break a relationship. Talk to your partner and be honest about your thoughts and feelings and let her do the same. Together you can be parents.