Dad's Role In Breastfeeding

This is our third baby and not until now have we been advocates of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding offers many benefits to your baby. Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients to help your infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler. Some of the nutrients in breast milk also help protect your infant against some common childhood illnesses and infections. It may also help your health. Certain types of cancer may occur less often in mothers who have breastfed their babies (NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development). As dads we have a big role to play in this maternal activity of our baby. We should be the most ardent encourager for our newborn mommies.

The first three days is the most challenging for newborn moms. They just gave birth and their bodies are weak. Their hormones are acting up and they might be undergoing postpartum syndrome, a depression that hit 80% of newborn moms. We are to be the source of strength & encouragement for our wives. Be there physically, emotionally and spiritually for them. Be available to assists in every way you can, attend to her needs, as her body is still weak. Comfort her, express it verbally and show how much you care. Lead her in prayer, we are the spiritual authority of our family especially our wives.

It has been 8 years since we had our last baby and my wife, Yet, had a hard time lactating. With our two previous babies, we weren’t patient in breastfeeding and it was not that successful. But this time around, we are so determined to breastfeed.

The first two days were the most challenging. Even our baby Lara, was frustrated with the amount of milk that she was taking in. Yet was already drinking malunggay “ Moringa Oleifera Lam” soup and taking supplements to help her in lactating. But soon we found out that the problem is not in her supply. She has milk but it’s clogged. Through a referral we hired the service of a lactation therapist, Manang Lita. And soon after the therapy both mom & baby are satisfied. If not treated, mom can become frustrated and lead to postpartum depression.

Doing hot compress also helped in the milk supply of moms. Make sure that newborn moms take in more than their usual amount of liquid, Yet always has soup every meal and at times even for snacks. If not hydrating properly, mom would have less milk. Also nursing mom needs to take in more iron and protein to help in the production of milk and also to strengthen her.

There are thousands of Internet sites that are very helpful and as partners it is incumbent upon us to also educate ourselves. Parenting is a partnership and as fathers we have a very big part in the successful breastfeeding of our kids.

Psalm 127: 4-5 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.