What to Expect When Your Partner Begins Breastfeeding

January 27th, 2022 | Pregnancy

Breastfeeding is the Best Way to Support Your Baby

The first few days home from the hospital can be a difficult time for new parents. For the first time, you are completely responsible for your newborn baby. Your days will be filled with feedings, dirty diapers, and sleepless hours. This is an important time for your young family. It can also be a very stressful time for you and your partner. If your partner chose to breastfeed your newborn, the additional stress of extra feedings may be adding additional stress to her plate.

Breastfeeding and the body

Breastfeeding can be an incredibly stressful activity for your partner. As your newborn baby feeds, they apply pressure to your partner’s breasts. If your baby does not get a perfect latch, it can be very uncomfortable and even painful. As the breasts fill with milk, it can cause a lot of pressure and pain for your partner. It will be necessary for her to pump or feed regularly, or she will be in pain and discomfort. It is also possible for your partner to experience painful clogs and mastitis as her body adjusts to feeding your newborn. The first few days of breastfeeding are not only physically demanding, but mentally demanding as well.

Keeping up with the supply

Not everyone produces milk at the same rate. Producing enough milk can be like training for a marathon. Your partner might produce more and more each day until she can keep up with your baby’s demands. However, not everyone can produce enough breast milk to feed their baby consistently. You may need to support your partner by encouraging them when they might produce less than expected. There are many natural remedies on the market that can assist your partner in their milk production.

Due to the difficulty of producing breast milk, you must learn how to properly handle breast milk. With such a valuable substance, you mustn’t spill a drop. Learn the proper technique for freezing breast milk and reusing it. For many women, breastfeeding is mentally draining and can constantly have your partner questioning their value as a mother.

What you can do to help your partner

Although you will not always be able to feed the baby when he or she is breastfeeding, you can do things to help take the strain off of your partner. Try balancing out duties. Since she is the only one who can feed, maybe you take on other roles as the sole provider. You can also acquire remedies that help her breast milk keep flowing. From natural remedies to increase flow, to heat pads to reduce swelling.

The biggest thing you can do to support your partner during this time is to listen and encourage. She is most likely struggling both physically and mentally to get the hang of breastfeeding. Listen to her needs and be supportive. Let her know that no matter what happens, she is doing a great job.