BREASTFEEDING MADE EASIER AT HOME AND WORK

See also: Pumping -- Storage -- Breastfeeding and Pumping Accessories

Family Support

Fathers and other special support persons can be involved in the breastfeeding experience. Breastfeeding is more than a way to feed a baby, it becomes a lifestyle. While no one but the baby's mother can provide breast milk, it is helpful for the mother and the baby if the father or support person encourages this healthy relationship. Fathers or support persons play a major role in the breastfeeding experience by being sensitive and supportive. They can encourage breastfeeding when the mother is feeling tired or discouraged. They can affirm their love, approval, and appreciation for the mother's work and time that she puts into breastfeeding. They also can be good listeners and provide understanding to the mother's and baby's needs to accommodate breastfeeding in the home or when traveling. All of this support helps the mother feel better about herself and proud that she is giving her baby the best. Many people also feel warmth, love, and relaxation just from sitting next to mother and baby during breastfeeding. Fathers and support persons also can help when the mother begins to wean the baby from breastfeeding by giving emotional nourishment to the child through playing, cuddling, and giving a bottle/cup.

Current as of August 2005

The following publications and organizations provide more information on family support during breastfeeding:

Publications

1.   Breastfeeding - This web site briefly describes the benefits of breastfeeding, what to do if you have trouble breastfeeding, and links to information from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development about breastfeeding.

   http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/

2.     Fathers Can Support Breastfeeding - This brochure is designed to promote breastfeeding among African American fathers. It discusses why fathers should encourage breastfeeding and how fathers can be a part of the breastfeeding team.

   http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Fathers/FathersCanSupportBF-brochure2.pdf

3. Breastfeeding 101 (Copyright © ACNM) - This publication outlines the basic steps moms need to take when preparing to breastfeed, as well as issues they may face regarding siblings of the new baby and how to develop family support.

   http://www.mymidwife.org/breastfeeding.cfm

4. Breastfeeding With Confidence (Copyright © ACNM) - Many women lack the confidence to even attempt breastfeeding for fear of failure. But, what they may not understand is that nine months of anxiety cannot undo what nature has equipped humans to do since the dawn of time. This publication provides resources on how to breastfeed with confidence.

   http://www.gotmom.org/page2.cfm?id=25

5. Got Mom... (Copyright © ACNM) - GotMom.org was created by the American College of Nurse-Midwives to provide breastfeeding information and resources for mothers and families. It contains information on why breast milk is best, dispels common misunderstandings about breastfeeding, and it provides a list of resources that can help women and families with breastfeeding.

   http://www.gotmom.org/

6. Helpful Information for Fathers (Copyright © ACNM) - This fact sheet explains how fathers can help support breastfeeding, how they can bond with the baby in ways other than feeding, and how breastfeeding will affect the sex life of new parents.

   http://www.mymidwife.org/information_for_fathers.cfm

7. How Do I Respond to and Avoid Criticism About Breastfeeding? (Copyright © La Leche League International) - This publication gives several suggestions for dealing with and preventing criticism about breastfeeding.

   http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/criticism.html

8. What do Moms need to Succeed (Copyright © MBC) - This web site contains a panel discussion from the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition discussing what mothers need to succeed when breastfeeding and returning to work. It also contains links to more information for nursing families, employers, health care professionals, and advocates.

   http://www.massbfc.org/workplace/

9. What Is the Father's Role in the Breastfeeding Relationship? (Copyright © La Leche League International) - This publication gives information on how the father of the baby can support and be involved in the breastfeeding relationship.

   http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/dad.html

Organizations

1.   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HHS
2.   Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, (WIC) USDA
3.   Womenshealth.gov, OWH, HHS
4. American Academy of Family Physicians
5. American Academy of Pediatrics
6. Breastfeeding Basics
7. International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA)
8. La Leche League International
9. National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
10. World Alliance For Breastfeeding Action

= Indicates Federal Resources