Jonathan,

My biggest (philosophical) problem with the idea of dads taking over feedings at
various times (other than the potential nipple confusion and supply problems
that you acknowledge and can most likely avoid by waiting long enough) is that
it perpetuates the myth that the only way to really parent a baby is to feed him
or her. Dads have so much more to offer babies than a bottle, and need to know
that their babies look to them for different things than food.

By leaving the breastfeeding to mom, then dad is free to interact with his baby
through play or cuddling or whatever. I would like to think that this creates a
more special bond between dad and baby than if he is just looking to feeding as
the major way to be important to his child. Granted, if dad gives baby a bottle
now and then, this doesn't meant that he won't do anything else. I just hate to
see it as the pinnacle of parenting a baby!

You would make a poor substitute for your wife in your baby's eyes--just as your
wife would make a poor substitute for you! You each have unique gifts to give
your baby and they complement each other.

Another problem with dad feeding EBM to baby is that mom still has to find time
to pump, which may be difficult to do during the day when baby is nursing ad
lib. And if she has to get up in the middle of the night to pump so dad can help
her out by handling night feedings, then what is the point?

Just my humble (and biased!) opinion.

Melissa Vickers, IBCLC
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