Archive for February 13th, 2010
This was published in the Anchorage Daily News.
While almost everyone today is embracing breastfeeding, some young mothers still struggle to nurse their infants. Lack of familial support and the lack of the opportunity to learn the art of breastfeeding are common problems.
For a young woman who has just given birth and is in a vulnerable position, coping with pain, fatigue, emotional and hormonal upheaval, it is natural for her to look for support in decisionmaking from the people around her.
Fathers play a huge role in breastfeeding. For new mother to establish a healthy nursing relationship, she needs rest, fluids and quiet time with her baby. It helps enormously for the husband to take on some of the household chores or hire a housecleaning service for temporary relief. The time that he can spend time with the baby’s older siblings will give the mother the necessary peace and tranquility to nurse properly. His reassurance and comfort of his wife supports her when she becomes tired and frustrated.