The role of the second parent in breastfeeding

The more informed the co-parent is, the more they will want to get involved and the better placed they will be to support the mother.

Valuing the mother

Breastfeeding is a learning experience, especially for new mothers.

At first, the couple is discovering their baby together. All three of them are getting to know one another, and a new rhythm needs to find its place...

But, between the exhaustion and the hormonal fluctuations, some mothers feel particularly vulnerable...

Did you know that baby blues affects 50 to 70% of mothers? Find our article on baby blues.

Rest assured, this period generally lasts 3 days. 

At first, the new mother needs to build her confidence. She therefore particularly needs to be reassured and encouraged by her partner.

Supporting the mother

Let's be honest — there will be days when breastfeeding feels harder than others... The role of the second parent in breastfeeding becomes all the more important on those days.

Especially during periods of growth spurts (the first one occurs around 3 weeks), or when the evening crying intensifies...

A present and supportive co-parent can have a real impact on the mother's wellbeing.

Furthermore, a mother's confidence in her partner correlates with her confidence in breastfeeding.

Indeed, the co-parent is also a vital source of support and can encourage the mother to keep breastfeeding through the difficult moments!

The loving support of a partner is one of the most important factors in a woman's decision to breastfeed her child.

In fact, one study concluded that families were more influential than healthcare professionals [1], [2]!

One of the greatest fears of the co-parent is feeling left out if the mother is breastfeeding.

Yet there are many ways to bond with your baby other than bottle-feeding!

Here are a few…

Would the co-parent like to take over for a while?

Well, there are solutions so they can also give milk to the baby, in the case ofmixed feeding. If you are using a breast pump, they can find out about how to express milk and help you. 

Among the most interesting options, the cup stands out.

Moreover, it is the only alternative to the bottle where studies have been carried out. Cup feeding has a positive impact on breastfeeding and may help to preserve it [4].

This alternative also helps to avoid potential sucking difficulties, which I should point out can occur at any age! Find our article on nipple confusion.

To drink from a cup, the baby laps up the milk just like a little cat would.

Have you chosen to breastfeed exclusively?

So, the co-parent will need to wait until weaning begins, around 6 months as recommended by the WHO.

The secret to building a wonderful relationship with your baby is of course to spend time with them.

Moreover, it allows both parents to gain greater confidence in their new role.

So, I can only encourage parents to give their child as much attention as possible.

For example, outside of care routines and feeds, you can play with them or sing songs...

In fact, it is all the small interactions that fully contribute to creating secure attachment bonds between the child and their parents.

By caring for the child, it also allows them to develop a trusting relationship with those around them.

So, have you learnt more about the co-parent's role in breastfeeding?