Making a decision to breastfeed and a father's/partner's involvement Attend a breastfeeding education session together Talk to a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) midwife Ways fathers/partners can connect with their baby other than bottle feeding Back to the Getting ready page Attend a breastfeeding education session together It helps to have the support of a partner when the decision to breastfeed is made. If a partner attends a breastfeeding education session it will help him understand the significance of breastfeeding to the woman, baby, and family/whānau. It may also help the father of the baby understand not only how he can help and support a mother to breastfeed but what ways he can get close to, be involved with and interact with the new baby. Back to top Talk to a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) midwife If both partners are unable to attend a session on breastfeeding together then make sure that the baby’s father or other close support person is there at a visit with the LMC midwife and take the opportunity to discuss breastfeeding and get the answers to both partners' combined questions. Ask the LMC midwife to arrange a suitable appointment time so both partners can arrange to be there (and other family/ whānau members too if appropriate) and think about questions they would like answers to before they attend the meeting. Back to top Ways fathers/partners can connect with their baby other than bottle feeding Sometimes fathers/partners think that giving the baby a bottle of breastmilk is the most satisfying and important part of baby care they can be involved with. Introducing a bottle, even with breastmilk in it, can interrupt the breastfeeding process when a mother and baby are adjusting and sorting out the balance of milk supply and baby appetite. There are lots of other ways that fathers/partners can feel close and connected to their babies. Bathing the baby and/or having a bath with the baby, skin-to-skin contact and learning about baby cues can help a father/partner connect to his baby. Fathers/partners are often very good at calming a fussy new baby too with close cuddles, walking and a soothing voice, which is a great support for a tired new mother. Fathers/partners get tired too, of course, and there will be lots of opportunities for both the mother and father/partner to emotionally support and help each other during the busy adjustment period after birth when they are getting used to being new parents and while breastfeeding is establishing. Back to top Back to the Getting ready page Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page.

Where to get help Midwives Healthline - 0800 611 116 Well Child La Leche League More information on these and other breastfeeding help providers...

Page last reviewed: 31 July 2009