Support Breastfeeding If Applicable and Possible, as Father Involvement is Linked to Higher Rates.
Look, you may not have milk ducts, but you can absolutely be the MVP of Team Boob. If you’ve ever wondered how to help (besides awkwardly holding a burp cloth and asking 'are you sure it’s working?'), this is for you. Spoiler: you don’t have to solve the mysteries of latching, but you can absolutely master the art of snack delivery and emotional pep talks. It’s like being the pit crew for a very tiny, very demanding race car.
When dads actively support breastfeeding, moms report less stress, more confidence, and are more likely to keep going—which means babies get all those juicy immune boosts and brain-building nutrients. For dads, it’s a sneaky way to bond with both baby and partner, and your brain gets a little hit of oxytocin just from being involved. Everyone’s attachment circuits get a workout, and it sets the tone for teamwork in parenting.
How to do it
First, ask your partner what actually helps—sometimes it’s a glass of water, sometimes it’s just not staring.
Keep a breastfeeding "go-bag" nearby. Stock it with:
- Snacks
- Water
- Burp cloths
- A phone charger (optional, but handy)
Offer encouragement and fend off well-meaning advice-givers.
Take over everything else so feeding can happen in peace:
- Laundry
- Diaper changes
- Entertaining older siblings
Remember: you are not the milk, but you are absolutely the support crew.
