Dads are well aware that a breastfed baby is a healthy baby. Far too much evidence exists about the many benefits of breastfeeding for starting baby out in life with a strong and healthy foundation for dads to think any different, and of course new fathers want the very best for their precious baby. Still, the breastfeeding process can be tough on new fathers. It is a time of deep bonding for mother and baby and dad often finds himself at odds, wondering where he can be of help when the baby wakes up hungry in the middle of the night and how he can form his own bond with baby.
Never fear, there are still plenty of ways for dad to bond with baby. It’s important to have as much skin-to-skin contact as possible during those early weeks. Dads can bathe baby, rock the baby to sleep after mom gets done feeding or just chill out and watch TV while baby naps on his chest. It’s the close proximity and hands-on relationship that really matters during these first weeks and months. And don’t forget, once baby has had a chance to fully adjust to breastfeeding with mom, usually about 3 or 4 weeks in, dad can bottle feed the baby with breast milk if mom is comfortable pumping. This was dad can feed the baby and mom can get some much needed rest. Dad to the rescue!