As a new partner, you may feel like breastfeeding is a journey that primarily involves your partner and your new baby - and you'd be right to some extent. However, much research now shows that a non-breastfeeding partners role in supporting breastfeeding and home routine can be a game-changer!
Figuring out how to tackle the day and night time as a dynamic duo can help your breastfeeding partner to feel more rested, and help you as the non-breastfeeding partner to feel actively involved in your little one's care.
Those first 6 weeks of establishing breastfeeding with your little one can make you look around the house and wonder at what point a bomb was set off. Breastfeeding in those early days is time consuming as your little one works to bring your milk in, establishing a great latch as well as frequent feeds across the day and night while they fill their little tummies.
So, how can you as a new parent (whether it's your first or fourth), make a real difference in supporting the bedtime evening routine and settling?
Dinner preparation and cooking. Sometimes our little one's know the most inconvenient times to want a feed. Having the majority of dinner prepped (or even cooked) can help your breastfeeding partner to feel more relaxed come these early hours of the evening;
Getting the bath ready or taking your little one into the shower with you.
Supporting the wind down routine - be actively involved in a cool activity that is part of your daily wind down routine.
Once mama has finished up the last feed or top-up feed for the night you can take your little one and do the initial settling for bed. Alternatively, you can take the "next shift" once your little one wakes up and isn't due a feed.
There are also some great ways to support your breastfeeding partner overnight as she does a feed with your little one:
Getting up to turn the night light on if needed;
Bringing your little one from their cot/bassinet to your partner;
Keeping your partner company and helping them to stay awake during feeding;
Bringing your partner water, snacks (most breastfeeding mamas will get this one!) or supplies as needed;
Burping your little one;
Changing their nappy;
Swaddling your little one once they have finished their feed;
Returning your little one back to their cot/bassinet once finished and supporting them to settle back to sleep.
However you choose to support your breastfeeding partner in this journey, don't underestimate the power of a small act of support. Together you are a team and by being an active, supportive partner in the breastfeeding journey, you're not only strengthening the bond within your new family but also contributing to your little one's health and well-being. Your role in your family is invaluable, and your support can make all the difference in your partner's breastfeeding success.
If you need some sleep support and you are ready to make a change our team of experts are here for you! Book a discovery call and let's chat about your little one's sleep and how we can help your family get the rest you all need to thrive.
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