Maybe it’s Valentine’s Day making me feel all sappy… I don’t know… But I’ve been thinking lately about how much my husband’s support has enabled me to breastfeed both of our kids. In fact, I would go so far as to say that without his support I would not be the determined breastfeeding mom that I have become.
After the births of both of our babies, my husband jumped into action. I remember feeling scared about the incredible power shift that was happening after the birth of our first child. I mean I went from earning a good salary and being an equal partner to being a lump who sat on the couch and breastfed all day and night. I was anxious, in pain, and unsure about how breastfeeding worked. I went from being a women who could work all day and cook supper and walk the dogs and have an intellectual conversation in the evening to not even being able to get a glass of water when I wanted to or go to the bathroom when in need. For the first little while, I was at my baby’s mercy. And my husband rescued me over and over again. He changed diapers, cooked meals, looked after the pets, did laundry, asked me what had to be done next, offered a shoulder to cry on, and told me I was doing great. He brushed off negative comments from relatives about breastfeeding and spouted off breastfeeding research I didn’t even know he had read when confronted with naysayers. In his company, I felt comfortable breastfeeding in restaurants, on airplanes, and at parties. He’s seen me wear nursing pads inside a worn out nursing bra under an old t-shirt and told me I look sexy. He’s walked a fussy, determined-not-to-take- a bottle-baby, up and down the hall for hours just so I could go out or sleep in.
My husband never once expressed a desire to feed the baby or suggested I give up breastfeeding to make it easier for me. What he did was more important than simply giving a bottle. The support of dads/partners is an essential part of breastfeeding. Check out this blog if you know someone who needs some ways of supporting a new mom. http://thestir.cafemom.com/baby/116334/10_ways_dads_can_help
What has your partner done to support you and your breastfeeding goals?
Felicie is a teacher turned work at home mama to two busy little angels, aged 22 months and 4 and a half years. She is a proud member of La Leche League Canada and has helped to organize three World B[..]
you said it beautifully! in those early days my husband sometimes provided a human shield when i was nursing in public and not feeling so confident or my pillow adjuster when i just wasn’t that comfortable.
What a valuable lesson to be able give your children! BF families truly have the opportunity to model partnership and respect in action. You have worded it all beautifully, Felicie and given us all a reminder to offer thanks to those who support us, selflessly!