You may not be making milk, but you can take these 4 critical steps to help your partner who is.
If you’re pregnant, share these tips with your partner or those supporting you. If your partner or a close friend or family member is pregnant, and you’re looking for ways to be there for them, this post is for you!
Just last month (July 2022), The American Academy of Pediatrics released an updated policy statement on breastfeeding, emphasizing the myriad health benefits for mom and baby, and that human milk is the ideal food for the first 6 months of life.
BUT- they also highlighted the critical role of partners and community members in supporting breastfeeding outcomes.
There are lots of ways that workplaces and society can enable breastfeeding, but for this post, we’re focusing on ways that partners (or close friends and family) can support breastfeeding for their loved ones, and specifically how to create a strong breastfeeding support system before baby even arrives!
Even though you’re not making the milk, you can block and tackle for someone who is, and thereby play an integral role in breastfeeding success!
In the 3rd Trimester...
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If you’re on the same insurance plan, call your insurance company to confirm if your plan covers visits to the lactation consultant. (Most should, but level of coverage can vary).
Find out what breast pumps they’ll cover while you’re at it! Taking this task off the plate of your pregnant partner is a great way to show support for them and for breastfeeding!
In the 3rd Trimester...
__________
If you’re on the same insurance plan, call your insurance company to confirm if your plan covers visits to the lactation consultant. (Most should, but level of coverage can vary).
Find out what breast pumps they’ll cover while you’re at it! Taking this task off the plate of your pregnant partner is a great way to show support for them and for breastfeeding!
1-2 Months Before Birth...
__________
Research lactation consultants nearby so you’ll know in advance who to call after baby is born, and attend a breastfeeding class. Going together will help you identify how to work as a team to meet breastfeeding goals.
The United States Lactation Consultant Association has an easy to use IBCLC Locator to help you get your research started or ask your OBGYN if they have resources for someone in your area as well.
1-2 Months Before Birth...
__________
Research lactation consultants nearby so you’ll know in advance who to call after baby is born, and attend a breastfeeding class. Going together will help you identify how to work as a team to meet breastfeeding goals.
The United States Lactation Consultant Association has an easy to use IBCLC Locator to help you get your research started.
Right After Baby's Arrival...
__________
Advocate for breastfeeding in the hospital, make sure a lactation consultation happens within 24 hours of birth if not within hours! Your partner just gave birth, so they are sure to be exhausted and you can be loud about this for them when they may not have the energy to advocate for it themselves!
Right After Baby's Arrival...
__________
Advocate for breastfeeding in the hospital, make sure a lactation consultation happens within 24 hours of birth if not within hours! Your partner just gave birth, so they are sure to be exhausted and you can be loud about this for them when they may not have the energy to advocate for it themselves!
First Weeks After Birth...
__________
Check in frequently about how breastfeeding is going, offer to call to schedule visits to the lactation consultant, and to go with them to those appointments as often as is necessary to get breastfeeding off to a strong start.
First Weeks After Birth...
__________
Check in frequently about how breastfeeding is going, offer to call to schedule visits to the lactation consultant, and to go with them to those appointments as often as is necessary to get breastfeeding off to a strong start.
__________
Even if this isn't your partners first breastfeeding journey, don't assume that they have it figured out. Just as every pregnancy is different, every baby is different which means every breastfeeding journey is different; while it may seem like they didn't need much support on a previous journey, doesn't mean they won't need they support now.
Don't be scared to ask your partner how you can help, but be prepared for them to not give you any direction. Breastfeeding can be exhausting, so bring your partner a glass of water, a burp cloth or a light snack while they're feeding - we promise it will be appreciated!
Even if this isn't your partners first breastfeeding journey, don't assume that they have it figured out. Just as every pregnancy is different, every baby is different which means every breastfeeding journey is different; while it may seem like they didn't need much support on a previous journey, doesn't mean they won't need they support now.
Don't be scared to ask your partner how you can help, but be prepared for them to not give you any direction. Breastfeeding can be exhausting, so bring your partner a glass of water, a burp cloth or a light snack while they're feeding - we promise it will be appreciated!