As a breastfeeding dad, I feel obliged to discuss bf through a
male perspective (and a unique male perspective at that!).  Many
of the families I work with have questions regarding BF and the
dad's role.  I always assure the dads that if they take an active
part in rasing and caring for their child, they will never feel
"left out."  I agree that feeding is a "maternal" concept since
this is the way Mother Nature designed it.  I tell them that will
undoubtedly find many more things that babies need besides
feedings.  I also do not discourage dads helping out with feedings
after the chances of nipple confusion are decreased.  The bottom
line is that raising and taking care of children requires the
active involvement of both parents.  This is not to say that
single parents cannot adequately raise their children, but that
this is not the way Mother Nature intended it.  Men and women are
complexly different and both have very unique qualities that lead
to successful child rearing.  Many men feel that breastfeeding
treatens their chances of being a parent, but once the PROCESS and
benefits of lactation are explained, many have their eyes opened.
I am a string believer in fathers having active roles, but agree
that feeding does remain mainly in the arena of motherhood.
I explain that breastfeeding is just one (although very important)
aspect of child rearing.


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Jeffrey S. Fouche, RN, BSN
Breastfeeding Educator
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Web Page:  http://members.gnn.com/jsfouche/breastfeeding.html
Dad to Tanner (06-28-95)
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