Ways Husbands Can Support Their Breastfeeding Wives
Not all breastfeeding journeys are smooth-sailing. Here’s how husbands can show encouragement and support to their breastfeeding wives.
Breastfeeding is a journey that some moms may find challenging, especially in the beginning. Engorgement, clogged ducts, mastitis, and sore nipples—there are so many struggles that breastfeeding moms and wives go through. Not to mention the exhaustion and sleep deprivation from cluster feeding! So, if you’re a husband who isn’t sure about how you can help your wife out, here are some tips that she will surely appreciate.
Different Ways Husbands Can Show Some Love to Their Breastfeeding Wives
1. Stay up with her
Newborn babies need to feed practically every hour. And it can get really lonely and isolating in the middle of the night when your wife has nobody to talk to. Although she may have her phone to scroll through Instagram or window shop on Lazada or Shopee, we’re sure she would prefer your presence or company instead! You can talk in hushed voices or watch your favorite TV shows on mute (with the subtitles on) to prevent the baby from waking up.
2. Be on diaper duty
With all the feeding your wife does in a day, try to lighten her load by taking over diaper duties. This can even give her a few more minutes of sleep before she has to feed the baby again.
3. Prepare her favorite food
Many wives will find the simple task of preparing or ordering their favorite food too tedious, especially after the first few days of giving birth. So why not do it for her? Making her eat small and frequent meals can help boost her energy as well as her milk supply.
4. Buy her lactation treats
Speaking of milk supply, some moms may find themselves having a hard time increasing it. Support her by getting her lactation treats! There are many available in the market. You can choose from cookies, brownies, oatmeal, spreads, and more.
5. Clean bottles and pump parts
If your wife pumps, be the one to clean the pump parts and bottles so she can use the time to rest or do things for herself.
6. Make sure she gets privacy
The arrival of a new baby can be very exciting for family members and friends. Many of them would love to see the baby right away. And these visits can unknowingly disturb her privacy—especially when she needs to breastfeed. Some moms might be too shy or exhausted to air this out, so it’s your job to know and make sure she feels secure.
7. Be her safe space
Just like your wife is your baby’s safe space, she needs her safe space, too. And that’s you! Be there for her when she needs you, take care of her (because she will be too busy taking care of the baby that often, she’ll forget to take care of herself), and talk to her. Some wives may be going through baby blues (or postpartum depression)—so you need to recognize the signs and seek help when necessary. Constantly reassure her and validate her feelings, especially as she is undergoing many physical, mental, and emotional changes.
When Breastfeeding Wives Get Support, They Thrive
Breastmilk has numerous benefits for your baby. It boosts immunity, plants good bacteria into the digestive system, prevents allergies and asthma, and many more. Breastfeeding even lowers your wife’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers as well as diabetes later in life. Since your wife’s body is working extra hard to produce it, supplement it with the right support to keep her going!
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