By Jasna Cameron

Breastfeeding can be one of the most beautiful experiences. The closeness between mother and child, the sense of meaning and purpose, the continuation and the strength of life, the most natural and pure experience - words fail to describe what it means to us. But what about the partners? How can we get them to share these precious moments of bliss and wonder? It is crucial for our partners to be a part of the breastfeeding journey from the very beginning.

However effortless and natural it may seem to the blissfully oblivious, every new mother will tell you that breastfeeding is no easy feat. But like everything else that is part of motherhood that may require work, adjustment, and sacrifice, it is well worth it.

If you are an expectant mom, it may be helpful to educate yourself on this essential part of early motherhood to ease your transition into the parental role.

Likewise, if you are an expectant partner, you must read up and gather as much information as possible on how vital your role is in the breastfeeding process.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, your daily role as a partner and your general outlook on matters related to breastfeeding makes a difference. For example, partners who have a negative approach to breastfeeding can contribute significantly to a mother's decision to give up too early. Some mothers may assume that their partners are not supportive of breastfeeding because they show no interest in the process. On the other hand, most partners report feeling left out and assuming a passive or neutral role as a default.

How to involve your partner in the breastfeeding process:

It is essential to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding before your baby even arrives. Share your research with your partner to help them understand that it is in the child's best interest to support you on this journey. With their help and encouragement, you will likely be able to breastfeed for long

er. In fact, studies show that mothers will persist through the challenging periods of breastfeeding and continue for much longer if they have their partners to rely on in difficult moments. Your partner's positive involvement also fosters successful breastfeeding because together, you can overcome any painful problems, exhaustion, and other challenges if you experience them.

Most people agree that breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for babies, but many partners don't know much beyond this claim and accept it as general knowledge. Understanding the science behind it may reinforce your belief and motivate you to help your partner continue breastfeeding your child for a longer period. In addition, you can get a lot of information from your doctor based on medical facts.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Numerous health organizations, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO), fully support breastfeeding as the healthiest way to feed a baby. Mother's milk is full of antibodies that protect her baby against illnesses. In addition, if the baby does fall ill, the breastmilk, as a living fluid, can make extra white blood cells to fight the infection. Breastmilk also prevents allergies and several chronic conditions. It also contains stem cells that may support the development and repair of major organs and much-needed good bacteria, which will protect the baby's digestive system.

The long-chain fatty acids in the breastmilk build your baby’s brain and nervous system. Research suggests that a slightly higher IQ has been detected among the children who have been exclusively breastfed.

Many organizations recommend that breastfeeding continues for at least six months exclusively and, if possible, for another six months for all of the above-mentioned health benefits for both mom and the baby. Breastfed babies' health benefits are long-lasting, and your healthy family will have minimal healthcare costs. Therefore, supportive partners are essentially investing in their family's long-term health and saving on any potential doctor's bills.

So what can you do to make this a positive, long-lasting experience for everyone involved?

Be supportive, helpful, available, and loving. Educate yourself on all the potential problems and possible solutions, and your knowledge will be of great comfort and help to your worried partner.

On a practical level, be there to carry the crying, hungry infant to its feeding station. Help make the nursing mom as comfortable as possible during the session. Bring a healthy snack or a glass of water and maybe even rub her shoulders now and again to take the tension away.

How you can be involved with the baby:

1. In between the feeds, be in charge of burping and nappy changes. You may look up some new skillful creative acrobatic positions for both.

2. Become the expert in baby bathing.

3. Once the mom starts expressing the milk, jump in for the bottle feeds.

4. You can be the baby-walker extraordinaire with all your fancy slings or sporty strollers on your morning jog.

Any time you can jump in to give the "milk-producer" a much-deserved break will also allow you more opportunities to bond with your successor.

What are the other benefits of dad's involvement?

First, it's an obvious money saver, as you won't have to spend any cash on the formula or any other accompanying gadgets. Secondly, leaving the house with the baby will be a breeze compared to formula-fed babies, who take a lot of space and time to pack up all the necessary paraphernalia. You won’t have to worry about measuring and storing the right amount of food and where you will warm up the baby's bottle if you are out and about in a shopping mall. Though they may be strenuous and exhausting, those nighttime feeds will take less time to prepare. Just ask the partners who have had to run to the store in the middle of the night because they forgot to buy formula that day! 

Conclusion

Most articles written on breastfeeding and the information shared are indeed aimed at the nursing moms, which may cause the partner to feel sidelined. It is time to change this narrative and allow the dads to take their rightful place and become integral team players during the breastfeeding journey. This will help strengthen the bond between the couple and create the basis for a strong close-knit family.