Dad's Info Centre

My partner is breastfeeding, so what can I do to help?

The main thing you can do is be supportive. If this is something you have chosen to do, then it is going to take the pair of you to make it succeed. Breast feeding your child is not easy and will also be quite tiring. Lots of women give up in the first 6 weeks, simply because they do not get they support they need. So here is what you can do:-)

Now is the time to let your fix it instinct run riot. Keep the house running smoothly in these early days and weeks. Try and give your partner as little to do as possible apart from feed and care for your baby.

Once baby has been fed, take over holding and winding of baby. Baby will settle easier on you as there is no smell of milk, this will also give you a chance to bond together and give mum a breather.

Try and limit number of visitors to allow mum to rest and get in to a routine.

Pamper mum, also make sure she always has a drink and is comfortable during feeds.

When can we have sex again after the birth of our baby?

Probably the most commonly asked question, and also at the root of much of stress between couples. Sorry guys but there is only one answer to this, when she is ready. This may be 6 weeks it may be 6 months or even longer. Putting pressure on her is not going to help or speed things up.

You need to support her to feel like a woman again, give her some time to herself. Take baby to a dads only class and let her have morning to herself to do as she wants.

Communication is crucial so talk to each other and understand how each other feel and what could help.

What should I do if my partner doesn’t like our midwife at the birth?

You are perfectly entitled to ask for a different midwife. Do it with as little fuss as possible. Try and find a way to leave the room and go and politely discuss the problem and ask for a different midwife. It is important that the isnt unnecassary emotions in the room. Remeber though that you are perfectly entitled to as for this change.