Breastfeeding competes with women - this is clear. But even the father can actively collaborate in the care of the child. Read here what makes you a perfect daddy?
After the birth of a child, some fathers struggle to find themselves in this new role. They have a great fear of doing something wrong and have a sense of helplessness if they cannot participate in feeding their baby during the breastfeeding phase. This initial insecurity is normal and should not be a reason for despair. Which father can contribute a lot to the health and well-being of mother and child?
Feeding your baby is just a small part of the baby's care. An equally important aspect is the care in which the man is not at all inferior to his partner. Changing the diapers, taking a bath, in creating it and putting it to bed are many opportunities to spend time with your child and create a close relationship with him. Your partner will be grateful to you because you will have more time to recover the strength that you usually need urgently.
Childbirth and breastfeeding can require a lot of energy for the mother. So do not just take care of the baby but help your partner even in household chores. Research has shown that mothers who receive much help from their lactating partner for longer. The World Health Organization WHO recommends breastfeeding for six months.
Breastfeeding naturally cannot be done by man, it is a privilege reserved for the mother. But, if your partner wants it, it can pump a part of its milk that can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator or for several weeks in the freezer. In this way, the father can breastfeed his baby with the bottle but with the precious milk of the mother. It should, however, be noted that not all women find it pleasant to pump milk and that giving milk with a baby bottle requires some exercise.
Do not be discouraged if on the first try everything does not work perfectly. Information from who can give you advice or ask your partner or midwife. The main thing is that you spend as much time as possible with your little family. Mother and baby will appreciate in any case your attention and your support.
A valuable help for future dads is the free "Mein Papa der Profit" app offered by Hirslandenbaby (in German or English). This digital information medium offers amusing information through videos, animations, simulations and a virtual assistant.
For other questions regarding newborns, SWICA insured persons can contact the doctors and the medical staff of thesante24 breastfeeding hotline, free and available 24 hours a day with specialist advice.
