Things new fathers can do to help their wives when breastfeeding.

1. Make sure she has plenty of water to drink at all times. She will need a jug of water by her bed at night, and a glass, you can refil it if it needs refilling and also pour out a glass for her when she is breastfeeding.

2. When the baby is tiny and newborn, especially if it is the first baby, she may have difficulty getting the baby to start feeding, and may feel upset and worried that she can't do it. Reassure her as much as she needs, try to offer practical help (like fetching extra pillows to support her and/or the baby)

3. In the early days, especially if its a first baby, it may help her to have a female relative who has breastfed herself to help her. Make sure its someone that she knows well, and that she won't feel obliged to entertain her as a guest, and that the relative knows that she's there to help her with the baby (not just breastfeeding, all kinds of practical help - having a baby is a big shock to a womans system - much more so if she had a difficult labour and/or a caesarian or other complications)

4. Make sure she has enough healthy food to eat. Her appetite will increase greatly in order to make enough milk for the baby. Fruit is the best thing to snack on between meals, as it will provide vitamins and minerals for her body to recover from the birth. Nutrients go into her milk for the baby as a priority, what is left is then used by her body. If she isn't getting enough nutrients, she will suffer before the baby suffers.

5. Most women will need emotional support most at night, when neither of you have had enough sleep, and she is completely exhausted but still has to feed the baby. Be patient with her and reassure her that you are there for her.

6. She may want to express some milk during the day, for you to feed to the baby in a bottle during the night. As well has helping her by allowing her to get a little rest, it helps you to bond with the baby.

7. Try to allow her to rest as much as possible, arrange for her to have naps during the day. Insufficient sleep affects her milk supply, if she is eating and drinking well and her milk supply is low, having an extra hour or two of sleep can really help inshaAllah.


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this is a short video about a new father's role in breastfeeding - includes fathers of twins and triplets - does not contain video of breastfeeding but one of the women is dressed rather by Islamic standards but you can still lower your gaze and listen to what the fathers are saying lol http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/...ole_in_bf.html

This clip is part of a DVD about breastfeeding which your wife may be interested in - other clips and details about the DVD are on the mothers milk sticky thread.

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this is a link to a PDF file from the Lansinoh website about how a father can support his wife with breastfeeding. http://www.lansinoh.co.uk/images/Downloads/8157.pdf There are other factsheets available from the Lansinoh website, and there is a link to the website in the mothers milk sticky thread.

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