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Breastfeeding/Bodyfeeding Facts for Partners

Congratulations! Your partner has chosen to breastfeed/bodyfeed. Your involvement before birth and during the weeks following the birth of your baby is important. Here are some facts to help you support your partner and baby during this time.

Breastfeeding/Bodyfeeding benefits for your baby

Human milk is the perfect food for babies of and contains all the nutrients your growing baby needs. It helps to protect them from infection and aids in their growth and development. The baby should be placed skin to skin within the first hour at birth to keep baby warm, promote bonding and help breastfeeding/bodyfeeding get off to a good start.

Both mature milk and colostrum (the early milk) contain antibodies to help fight infection. Babies fed human milk have lower rates of such conditions as:

  • Infections: ear, respiratory, and diarrhea
  • SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
  • Diabetes
  • Some childhood cancers
  • Obesity (overweight)

Breastfeeding/Bodyfeeding benefits for your partner

  • Helping to decrease the blood lost after delivery.
  • Decreasing the risk of certain cancers such as breast cancer.
  • Decreasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Breastfeeding/Bodyfeeding is economical (costing less than formula feeding) and convenient (always the right temperature, and does not need any special preparation or equipment).

Risks of Giving a Breastfeed/Bodyfeed infant formula or water are:

Baby less content on breastfeeds, more susceptible to illness, and reduces milk supply.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

Breastfeeding/bodyfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months. After 6 months, continued breastfeeding/bodyfeeding with the addition of other foods for at least one year or longer as you partner and baby desire.

What are Normal feeding patterns for breastfed/bodyfed babies?

  • Your baby will tell you he or she is hungry by giving “feeding cues” (bringing his or her hands to mouth or face, making sucking movements, rooting or turning toward anything that touches baby’s lips or face, darting tongue in and out and baby actively moving or wiggling body).
  • Because human milk is quickly and easily digested, your baby will want to nurse frequently, at least, 8 to 16 times or more in 24 hours.
  • Some babies will cluster feed, or eat hourly, several times in a row. This does not mean your partner does not have enough milk.

How can I support my partner while breastfeeding/bodyfeeding?

  • Prenatally, attend a breastfeeding/bodyfeeding class and support group, childbirth class, infant care class, or class such as Boot Camp for Dads.
  • Room in with your partner and baby in the hospital. This will help you learn to know your baby’s patterns and will protect your partner’s rest and breastfeeding.
  • Help your partner find a comfortable position by using pillows, a footstool. etc.
  • If your baby is sleepy, wake baby by tickling or unwrapping, and bring baby to your partner for feeding.
  • Answer the phone or door during feedings.
  • Help with baby care, such as bathing, diapering, rocking and playing with your baby.
  • Help care for older children. Help with dishes, laundry, cooking and cleaning.
  • If your partner needs to pump, help by cleaning pump parts after each pumping session and sanitizing them once daily. Deliver the milk to the hospital if your partner and baby are separated for any reason.
  • Spend time holding baby skin-to-skin, even after you are home from the hospital. It is a great way to bond with and calm your baby.
  • Tell your partner you are proud that they are breastfeeding/bodyfeeding and offer encouraging words like, “You can do it!”
  • Explain the benefits of human milk to well-meaning family and friends who may not understand the benefits of human milk and the risks of formula. Giving bottles or pacifiers before breastfeeding/bodyfeeding is well established at around a month of age can negatively impact milk supply and the baby’s ability to latch.

Sexuality and Breastfeeding/Bodyfeeding

  • Your partner may not initially have the same interest in sex as before the baby was born. This is true even for those who are formula feeding. Remember, there are other ways to share your love, such as hold hands, cuddle, etc.
  • Avoid sexual relations until your partner has healed and talks with a healthcare provider about birth control. Breastfeeding/bodyfeeding may decrease the risk of pregnancy and delay menstruation, but it is not a reliable form of birth control.
  • Your partner’s vagina may not be as moist or slippery during intercourse. There are products which will improve vaginal slipperiness/moisture which are available at any pharmacy or grocery store.
  • The hormones involved in the process of breastfeeding/bodyfeeding are also involved during sexual response. Your partner may feel sleepy, relaxed or sensual while breastfeeding/bodyfeeding.
  • Milk may leak during sexual arousal. It will help if the baby is fed before sexual activity.

Breastfeeding/Bodyfeeding and Modesty

You or your partner may feel uncomfortable at the thought of your partner being exposed while feeding the baby. With practice, your partner will soon be able to nurse the baby discreetly, so that even persons nearby won’t know that your baby is feeding.

A Final Word to Partners

  • Having a new baby is a wonderful and exciting time, but the first few weeks are the most challenging.
  • If you feel jealous or angry, talk about your feelings.
  • You will be able to take better care of your partner and new baby if you take good care of yourself!