11/24/2025
As a dad, you may feel left out of feeding if your partner breastfeeds your new baby. Breastfeeding is a team effort, and you play an important role. Here are ways you can offer support and encouragement and be involved in the breastfeeding journey:
🍼 Learn the breastfeeding basics: Before your baby arrives, join your partner at a WIC breastfeeding class to learn about how breastfeeding works, how much milk your baby needs, and how to know whether your baby is getting enough milk.
🍼 Help take care of your baby. You can soothe, bathe, change diaper, dress, and burp your baby.
🍼 Bond with your baby. Cuddle, rock, and hold your baby skin to skin. You can also read, talk, or sing to your baby.
🍼 Take care of your partner. If mom is uncomfortable or has pain, it may be because the baby is not latching on correctly or she may be engorged. Contact WIC breastfeeding staff who can help her stay on track. You can also make sure mom is taking care of herself.
🍼 Watch for hunger signs. Learn your baby’s hunger cues so that you can bring your baby to your partner to breastfeed.
🍼 Limit visitors. New moms need plenty of rest! Help limit the number of visitors that come to your home.
🍼 Go the extra mile. Help with chores. If mom needs something while she’s breastfeeding, offer to get it for her. If you have other children, take care of them so your partner can focus on breastfeeding.
🍼 Offer encouragement. Help your partner feel good about herself. Tell her you’re proud of her and that she’s doing a great job. Try to do something special for her.
All information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture — https://fb.com/USDA
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