You may have heard that breastfeeding is natural. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. That’s why breastfeeding women need support. Support can come in many different forms and from different people. Studies show that with a supportive partner, women breastfeed longer and feel more confident about their ability to breastfeed. Whether you are a partner, friend, or family member, there are many things you can do to help support mom while she breastfeeds her little one.
How can you provide support?
- If mom is experiencing problems with breastfeeding, offer to research the issue online to see if you can learn about solutions to relieve any discomfort.
- Does mom need to schedule a visit with a Lactation Consultant or her health care provider? Find one in your area and offer to bring the phone, a notebook and pen and the phone numbers to her.
- Be available to greet guests, run errands or bring mom items she may need such as water, snacks or pillows.
- Before feedings, bring baby to mom and soothe her until mom is ready to feed. After feedings, offer to burp her.
- Offer to cuddle baby with skin-to-skin, bathe, or read to her while mom relaxes.
Let the breastfeeding mom in your life know you are there to support her and help give her baby the best start.
Read about other helpful tips in our Breastfeeding 101 series.
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