How Partners can participate in breast/chest feeding

While it may seem that the nursing parent is the sole participant in breast/chest feeding, partners can certainly contribute.

Here are a handful of ways that partners can participate in breast/chest feeding:

• Keep the nursing parent relaxed and calm; repeat encouraging words, especially when your nursing partner feels overwhelmed, failure, insecure, or unsure

• Ensure your nursing partner is comfortable in their nursing position

  • help to prop and move supporting pillows

  • cover/remove blankets as needed

• If nursing in a chair, stand behind your nursing partner at their shoulder so you can participate in eye contact with baby while baby feeds, this can deepen your bond with baby

• Ensure your nursing partner is well nourished by bringing them easy to eat/drink foods:

  • water

  • smoothies

  • energy snacks like granola bars or raw nuts/seeds

  • fresh fruit/veggies

• Massage your nursing partner; shoulders, back, feet

• Clean, sterilize, and bring pumping supplies, and store milk properly

• Keep track of which side baby last fed on so your nursing partner knows which side to switch to at the next feeding

• Participate in breast/chest feeding education

  • Classes

  • Books

  • Videos

• Help to prep baby before and after nursing

  • Wake baby if sleeping

  • Change diaper

  • Burp baby

  • Put baby back down to sleep