Supporting Breastfeeding Mums
You may not have had a baby or breastfed yourself, but you play a vital role in supporting and praising a mum to feed her baby in the way she wants to. There are lots of things you can do to support them.
- Don’t be embarrassed if she is feeding in front of you – remember she is feeding her baby – you wouldn’t be embarrassed if she had a bottle of formula in her hand
- Don’t assume that she will want to be alone or in private to feed her baby – most women hate being locked away on their own. She will probably want to chat and talk to you as normal
- Remember that she is learning a new skill and needs help to build her confidence
- Sit next to rather than opposite her – that way you don’t have to ‘avoid’ looking at her while she is feeding but can still have eye contact while talking
- Offer to help, by making her more comfortable or getting her a drink
- Try not to ask questions like ‘how do you know whether the baby is getting enough milk?’ – she may start doubting herself and worry unnecessarily
- Help out your friend by bringing lunch/dinner when you visit her or offering to pop out to the shops for her
- Join the Beside You Facebook, X and Instagram accounts and share positive messages about breastfeeding
- Offer to go with her to breastfeeding drop-in, it can be daunting to meet new people, you can help to break the ice and make her feel more relaxed.
