Offer encouragement
Be a breastfeeding cheerleader and offer verbal encouragement and support throughout. This will let mom know that you see and appreciate what a great job she's doing, and will spur her on to persevere if times get tough.
Be sensitive to your partner's needs
It's important to understand the bond between mom and baby, and to be aware of the rollercoaster of emotions that post-pregnancy hormones can bring. Talk to each other honestly about how you're both feeling, and encourage openness at every new stage that raising a baby brings.
Help around the house
To reduce stress and ease the load, make it your job to keep on top of the housework. Encourage mom to put her feet up and enjoy bonding with the little one while you pop to the shops, do the laundry, or rustle up something tasty in the kitchen.
Burp the baby
Once the baby has finished feeding with mom, you can take on the task of winding them. Support their head and neck while making sure their tummy and back are straight, and pat their back gently to bring up any trapped air. Remember to have a muslin cloth close by - just in case!
Create a calm environment
Dealing with a newborn can be chaotic, so try and keep your home as calm as possible. If you have older children, perhaps you take them out for the afternoon to the park or cinema?
Make sure your house isn't always filled with visitors, and ask people to call or text to arrange a convenient visiting time. When people do come to visit, look for signs that mom - or baby - is ready for them to leave.
Keep her company
Breastfeeding can be a lonely time for some moms, so try asking if they'd like some time alone with the baby, or if they want you to stick around and chat.
Care for the baby in other ways
Caring for your baby during the breastfeeding process teaches them that love comes from interacting with people, as well as from food. You can pitch in with walks, diaper changes and bath or bedtimes - all of which are great opportunities to build a lasting bond, and give mom some time off to enjoy a soak in the bath or a well-deserved snooze!
Stand up for her right to breastfeed, whenever, wherever
Now's the time for you to become a breastfeeding advocate. Support every mom's right to peacefully breastfeeding in public without criticism, and encourage others to do the same by sharing resources and using #normalizebreastfeeding.
