Becoming a parent is an exciting but sometimes daunting time. You might have lots of questions on how you can support your partner to feed you baby. That is what Beside You is all about.
Luke and Rhiannon’s story
Having support from your partner can make all the difference in your parenting and breastfeeding journey.
Hear how Luke was a great support for his wife and baby.
Being there for your partner
Being beside your partner, helping to take on some of the load of life’s many tasks, as well as telling them how well they are doing can make a huge difference to how they are feeling and the experience they have during their breastfeeding journey.
What can you do for your partner?
Encouragement
Encourage your partner, this will boost her confidence and keep her motivated. Like any new skill, it can take time to master so reassurance and praise really helps.
Bond with baby in lots of ways
Be involved with your baby in other ways so that the caring is shared. Find ways to be close to you baby and bond, such as bath time, play, changing and bedtime routines such as reading a book or even singing and dancing with you baby.
Help with meals or chores
Help to reduce the household chores so your partner can feed baby for as long and as often as they need. This could be sorting out a meal, tidying up or doing a food shop.
Grab a drink
Encourage your partner to eat and drink regularly. Staying hydrated and eating well are really important while breastfeeding. Bring her a drink and a snack whilst feeding to help keep her energy levels up and to stay hydrated.
Night times can be hard - keep baby safe
There's no getting away from it, being a new parent is exhausting and as comforting as it may feel, never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. It can increase the risk of infant death by 50 times. Always lift the baby into a safe place while you sleep. Find out more on our sleep page.
Small gestures
If mum has had a challenging night, making a nice warm drink or a snack on a morning can be a small but supportive gesture to show you care if she is tired.
DadSpace – organised by dads for dads
DadSpace run local events with a focus on mental health and fatherhood support in Medway.
In a complex and busy world, they aim to keep DadSpace simple. DadSpace celebrates fatherhood and understand the impact fathers can have on a young person’s life.
DadSpace is a free space, where you can attend, be open and be heard.
Find out more over on the DadSpace website http://www.dadspace.co.uk