Kiddipedia
According to Australia’s most recognised breastfeeding expert, Pinky McKay, a father’s impact is the single most crucial factor in breastfeeding success – and no, he doesn’t have to bare his man boobs!
(see clip Meet The Fockers – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xoVutcfKNk)
Pinky, an internationally certified lactation consultant who has spent a lifetime helping mums breastfeed says, “the bonus to a father’s efforts is that there’s nothing more of a turn-on than a partner who nurtures the new mum so she can focus on the intense needs of your newborn.” She advises, “this doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll get a romp in the sack any time soon, and that shouldn’t be his prime motivation but a supportive father will be accumulating loving feelings and goodwill rather than resentment that can brew if his partner feels isolated and unsupported.”
So, how can a father help with breastfeeding?
Pinky says, “firstly, remember whose boobs they are. I’ve seen too many new dads who seem like little boys who don’t want to share their partner’s attention – or breasts.
“Although it may be unintentional and could be due to concern for a partner who is struggling with breastfeeding, fathers can sabotage breastfeeding by suggesting it would be easier to give bottles. Or they may see the intimacy between mother and baby and feel that by feeding baby with a bottle, they could share this closeness too.
Breastfeeding works on the supply and demand rule: the more milk your baby drinks, the more milk the mother’s breasts will make. If she skips a feed, her body won’t get the signal to produce milk for the next feed. It could also lead to blocked ducts from being ‘over full’; this can cause mastitis, which will make her feel extremely ill and require medical help.
Pinky says, “fathers can bond without bottles – in fact, there’s more eye contact in changing a nappy! There are lots of ways to share precious time with your baby: open your shirt and snuggle your baby against your bare skin, burp or settle him after feeds or when he has a belly ache, have a bath or shower together, make him laugh and ‘wear’ him in a baby carrier (this will get you lots of attention from admiring ladies!).”
Most importantly, Pinky advises, “love up your lady. It might look as though she is just sitting around all day, but it takes a lot of energy to make milk and nurture a baby – even the easiest baby will take nine hours of basic care each day!
Tell your partner what a great job she is doing, bring her food and drinks and ask her what would be helpful right now. If you help her relax and focus on breastfeeding now, she’ll remember that you were there for her when the going was tough, and that’s a big investment in your relationship.
So Dads, get real and help breastfeed too.
Pinky McKay is Australia’s most recognised and respected breastfeeding expert. She’s an Internationally Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), mum of five and best-selling baby-care author of Sleeping Like a Baby, 100 Ways to Calm the Crying and Parenting by Heart (Penguin Random House).
Pinky is also the creator of Boobie Bikkies, all natural and organic cookies to support a healthy breast milk supply. Download Pinky’s FREE ebook ‘Making More Mummy Milk, Naturally at www.boobiebikkies.com.au
Social media : Pinky has over 200.000 social media followers:
Facebook: Pinky McKay 176K
Instagram: @pinkymckay1 41K+
Boobie Bikkies Facebook: 108K+
Instagram @boobiebikkies 27K+
