Four ways dad can help their partner while breastfeeding

While dad can’t actually breastfeed, there are some things he can do to provide love and support to both mum and baby.

Learn about breastfeeding as your partner does. This will not only make you feel part of the team but also is a vital way to offer support if any difficulties arise.

Bathing your baby. While you can’t breastfeed, bath time is a great time to spend bonding with your new baby.

Helping with housework. This means more to your partner than you realise. An added bonus is how this influences your children later in life. A 2014 study in Psychological Science found a father’s involvement with housework affects the aspirations of their children.

Be your partner’s hands. While she is breastfeeding bring her water and pillows. During the night, when bub cries, go and pick him up and bring him to the bed for a feed. Afterwards, take the baby for a burp, nappy change and settle them back to sleep.