Most postpartum mothers unintentionally stop breastfeeding within the first six weeks. Mothers may lose their motivation to breastfeed if they do not receive adequate support from their families or spouses. The attitude of fathers after childbirth is important here.
Although we sometimes hear that women “can not breastfeed”, you may be surprised to know that only a minority of women who cannot breastfeed are physically unable to do so. Breastfeeding is a new skill to learn after childbirth. During this period, the mother needs encouragement and reassurance from her partner. This is why the little help provided to the postpartum mother is so important.
Some women may experience nipple cracking and pain from the very first days of breastfeeding, or may experience difficulties such as engorgement (overfilling of the breast). If you know in advance what your partner may experience during the postpartum breastfeeding period and how you can support your partner, this will make your partner very happy. You will also be supporting them so that they can enjoy those very special moments for both your partner and your baby.
In the early days, it may be helpful for you to be present at home to keep well-meaning visitors at a distance or to organize visits. As women who are breastfeeding are more thirsty, you can keep a glass of water with your husband while he is breastfeeding and support him in maintaining a balanced diet. With the addition of your baby to your life after birth, housework may increase. By doing your fair share of the housework, you can make it possible for your partner to breastfeed your baby in a more comfortable environment. If your partner is uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, you can help him or her to take a position out of sight of others and give him or her the confidence to breastfeed your baby.
A breastfeeding woman may feel “exhausted” at the end of a long day. This is because breastfeeding in itself is an extra effort for the mother. Add to this the other care of the baby and she may not have the energy to do anything else. However, this does not mean that after the arrival of the baby there will be no time to spend alone together. It is important to maintain a close relationship after the birth. Just because your partner is busy with the baby does not mean that he or she does not want to feel your love and affection. On the contrary, your partner needs to be loved even more in the postpartum period. Make her feel the love she needs.
Remember, men can now also take postnatal leave. You can use this legal right to spend time with your wife and baby and give them the support they need.
Experts say that basal metabolism works faster than normal during breastfeeding, so breastfeeding also helps to lose postpartum weight. At the same time, in order to get rid of postpartum weight, experts recommend that mothers eat regularly rather than dieting. Together with your partner, you can start to eat healthy and rebuild your routine with your little baby in your life
The role you play in building your partner’s confidence is extremely important and research shows that women who are supported by fathers after birth are more likely to continue breastfeeding. It is very important for breastfeeding continuity that your partner breastfeeds whenever your baby needs it. You can explain that your partner may sometimes need to breastfeed in public and that this is perfectly normal. Your partner will accept that this is natural and will be proud that you are ready to defend his/her right to breastfeed.