I'm sure many of us, as I have in bf classes and consultations, made sure
Dad new what's Mom's needs were and have given instruction on 'quick,
nutritious' foods one can by at the store and how to prepare things at
home as well.  Have made it clear that it is part of Dad's reponsibilty
to make sure mother had her 'nursing nest' set up before he leaves for
work with a bottle or pitcher of water, non refrigerable foods (fruit,
nuts, granola, etc) as well as making sure there were snacks mom just had
to grab out of the fridge (premade sandwiches, yogurt, cheese cubes ,
etc).  I make sure Dad knows that this support of Mom and baby is as
important as the actual nursing (and whatever guidelines Mom has been
given), etc to promote BF success.  We also talk about nearby phones,
remote controls, foot stools (or phone books or rolled up blankets or
pillows, etc), pillows for lap, etc.

I notice that Dads get very frustrated because they can't 'fix it' or
just do it, and giving them instructions to follow makes them gain a
sense of control.  In consultations I have even been known to write Dad
his own set of guidelines to follow till things are going well.

I think if it's explained to Dad's that there are other ways to bond,
holding, rocking, walking, singing, skin-to-skin contact, baths, etc that
they are then freed up to explore what works for them.  Somewhere I saw a
list of things Dads can do with a baby besides feed them . . . . .

I know of at least 2 Dads who put their older than newborn babies in baby
carriers on their chest when they got home from work and took them
outside while they puttered in the yard or garden, doing chores, etc
Sounds like good bonding time to me!

Katherine Catone, LLLL, IBCLC
Kingsville, TX