When I give my BF class to pregnant moms, dads are often there (hooray).  I
am often asked "when can I pump so Dad can feed a bottle?", I answer, "You
know, it is really great that dads are playing a major role in raising their
kids these days.  But if he *really* wants to help out, ask him to take over
the third trimester of pregnancy, please."

This usually gets a laugh -- but it does remind everyone that some functions
were just meant to be done by mom's body. I also offer a hand-out which,
which I reproduce below.  In the spirit of Creative Commons, you may use it
and edit it for your purposes, but use it with attribution and for no
commercial gain (i.e. tell people you got it from me, and don't sell it.
You'll see I attributed the Lactnetters who inspired the original, and yes,
they had given permission when original posts were made).

FOR FATHERS ONLY
Some Ways to Father a Breastfed Baby

1.      Dad’s job is to teach baby that s/he can be loved and nurtured without
being fed at the same time, too!

2.      Provide ongoing support to the breastfeeding mother.  She has a lot of
nursing to do, and she wants to know how much you love her, and your healthy
baby.

3.      Act as a buffer between mom and those who may not understand how
important it is for mom and baby to be together so much.

4.      Play an active role in making decisions about baby's health care.  Your
support of the decision to breastfeed is a great beginning!

5.      Hold your baby face-to-face;  talk to and touch your baby.  S/he
recognizes your voice from the womb, and loves to look at your face.  Watch
her mimic you!

6.      Take your baby for walks in the baby carrier or stroller.

7.      Bathe, burp, diaper and play with your baby as much as possible.

8.      Learn to put your baby to sleep by letting him fall asleep on your
shoulder or chest.  (Dad is a place for comfort and rest too!)

9.      When your baby is fussy, walk, rock or sing to her.

10.     When mom is tired, encourage her to rest, and bring baby in when it is
time to nurse.

11.     Give mom a break by holding and caring for baby between feedings.

And Two Ideas from a Dad Who Has Done It

12.     Play games to make the baby laugh such as "touch the ceiling" and
"bounce the ball off the ceiling."

13.     Give daddy a high five when gas is passed in any direction!

(Mothers often disapprove of these two, which is why dads need private time
with the baby.*)

© Elizabeth C. Brooks, JD, IBCLC; March 2003; adapted from the originals by
Ruth Bacon, IBCLC, and *Rob Cordes, DO



Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC
Wyndmoor, PA, USA




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