Just for partners and loved ones Breastfeeding is a team effort - how can partners help?
Learn about lactation Attend a lactation class with your partner. Find a support group for families in your area. Offer support Support your loved one's feeding goals and help them get support if they are having trouble. Ask how they're doing. Keep an eye out for significant mood changes or unusual behavior (see page 17). Give comfort Make sure your partner is comfortable while breastfeeding and has had plenty to eat and drink. Offer a tray of snacks and water within reach. Bond with the baby by using eye contact, giving baths, practicing skin- to-skin contact, wearing the baby in a baby carrier, reading books to the baby, or learning techniques to gently massage the baby.
Lower the risk of sleep-related infant death
• Talk with your provider about your family’s unique risks and how to lower the risk of sleep-related infant death. • Breastfeeding is recommended to lower the risk of sudden death. • If you are laying down to breastfeed, do • Babies should be placed to sleep on their backs in the same room as their caregivers for the first year of life. • Do not smoke, vape, or use alcohol or drugs. Stay away from medicines that make you drowsy. so on a flat surface— not a couch or an armchair—and remove all blankets and pillows .
See the resources on page 22 for help.
Kevin’s Story A first-time parent, Kevin was excited to take care of his newborn baby. He thought giving his baby a bottle would give his partner a rest from breastfeeding and help his baby get to know him. While he wanted to support his partner, he learned that giving newborns formula interrupts the natural process of lactation and could lower overall milk supply. Kevin is now committed to supporting his partner while they are breastfeeding. And, he is having a great time exploring the many different things he can do to bond with his newborn. His favorite so far is holding his baby skin-to-skin.
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute 19
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