Breastfeeding support from dads and partners

As the dad or partner you might think that there isn’t much that you can do to help with breastfeeding – but think again! Here are some tips for supporting your partner through this process.

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Will I miss out if my partner’s breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a lovely way to connect with your baby. If you're a dad or partner, you might be worried that you might "miss out" on bonding with your baby. One reason some mums look at other ways to feed their baby is that they want their baby to bond with their partner too. But there are loads of ways you can bond with your baby if your partner is breastfeeding.

Bring baby to mum when they need to be breastfed. If you can do this at night, it can be a real lifesaver!
Rub their back for a burp afterwards.
Placing your baby on your bare chest for skin-to-skin contact. It creates a bond and soothes your baby.
Bathe your baby together.
Take them for a walk around the park while your partner has a nap.
Put them down for a sleep.
Reading a story is a great way for your partner and baby to spend time together.
Your baby will grow to recognise and love the sound of your voice.
Changing nappies! Sing songs, pull funny faces or simply talk to baby: your baby will love the one-to-one attention and you will love the break!
Put them in a sling and cuddle together.

In this short video, new mum Grace talks about how breast feeding brought her and her partner closer.

Top tips from other parents

Here’s some inside info from parents from around Scotland on how they’ve helped their partners breastfeed.

Tip #1: Wee things make a big difference

“Do everything you can to make her life easier while she’s breastfeeding – make her a drink, or a snack to help keep her going – these wee things make a big difference.”

Smiling dad holding his baby wrapped in a blanket

“It can be tough just standing by if it’s not going smoothly. There’s not much I can take credit for but I reckon just encouraging her to stick with it day by day and offering moral support made a difference.”

Tip #3: Be there to listen

"I underestimated the mental journey your partner goes through whilst breastfeeding, the highs and the lows. Doubts about supply and overall confidence was a constant battle but listening helped her and talking it through logically. The bond, this was the best thing to see and helped us all. Happy baby, happy mum, happy life."

Tip #4: Do some research

“I could see that breastfeeding was painful for my wife, so I did a bit of research online and found out that just changing the position slightly of the baby on the breast can make a big difference.”

Tip #5: Know your facts

“Surprisingly, we soon realised that some friends and family thought formula would be just as good as breast milk. So it helps to know a few facts, such as: breast milk boosts your baby’s ability to fight illness and infection and lowers your partner’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer the longer she keeps feeding.”

Tip #6: You’ll get there in the end

“Don’t worry if your baby struggles with breastfeeding at first. Our son took a few days to get the hang of it but we got there in the end.”

Tip #7: Focus on baby’s needs

“I think we might have had too many visitors in the first few days which made it harder to focus on getting to know our baby’s needs, so I’d try and keep this to a minimum.”

Tip #8: Don’t be scared to ask for help

"Don’t be scared to ask for help. It’s OK for you to call the health visitor, the midwife or the National Breastfeeding Helpline, it doesn’t need to be mum who calls."

Tips for supporting your partner

In this short video, new dad Andy explains how he supports his partner while she's breastfeeding their newborn and looks after their toddler.

In this film, dad Ryan shares his tips for supporting your partner in the early days.

How support from a partner can make all the difference

In this film, mum Kat explains how support and encouragement from her partner Ryan helped her overcome her breastfeeding issues.

Want more help with breastfeeding?

Parent Club is full of information to help you know what to expect, spot any issues, and support you at each stage of feeding your baby.

Both you and your partner should feel free to call the National Breastfeeding Helpline (0300 100 0212 between 9.30 am and 9.30 pm) for help and advice whenever you need it.