Father's role

Dad has a vital role to play in breastfeeding baby - and his support is much needed.
Most paediatricians currently think you should try breastfeeding your baby for at least a year - and studies have shown that the more supportive Dad is, the more confident you'll feel about breastfeeding and the longer you'll do it.

Pay attention, Dads! There's no need for you to feel left out during breastfeeding just because you can't do it. It may be natural for some dads to worry that they're not bonding with their baby simply because nothing they do can ever compete with what Mum can offer, but you need to view it objectively - don't ever think your baby has come between you and your partner.

There are all sorts of ways you can bond with your baby. He'll love being held close - and skin-to-skin contact is the best kind. Get involved in caring for him - change nappies, bath him, give him a bottle of expressed breast milk or formula when you get in from work or overnight, to give Mum a break. (Wait a few weeks, until breastfeeding is established, before introducing a bottle.) Spend plenty of time just being with your new baby - take him for walks in his pushchair or sling and go shopping or do whatever you can think of to be together with your baby. All of this will help you feel more confident about fatherhood.

And above all, be supportive and thoughtful towards your wife or partner - she's working harder than ever to take care of your baby, so lend a hand with the chores whenever you can.

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