This week's topic is about Sweet Support.
I can't emphasize enough how important support is when you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. I believe the most important person that needs to be supportive is your significant other. (For those that don't have an SO helping, then a close family member or friend – whoever your “go-to” person is when you are struggling with something.)
To get the most support out of your significant other, here are my suggestions since these worked for us:
- Discuss the decision to breastfeed before baby comes.
- Discuss the benefits of breastfeeding, such as bonding, health and financial.
- Attend a breastfeeding class together.
- Watch breastfeeding videos together.
- Have them observe you feeding.
- Express the importance of them helping you to get comfortable, fetching things, and observing the latch until you get more used to it.
- Express the importance of them getting you help from a lactation consultant or a La Leche League member if you are struggling.
I didn't have to convince my husband to go along with my choice to breastfeed, but I know some women don't have that support. If your significant other is not on board with the decision to breastfeed, it will be easier to give up if you are struggling because they won't necessary understand why so much effort needs to be put into it.
I took my hubby along to my breastfeeding class so that he could be my second set of eyes and ears. Surprisingly enough (to us) almost every woman there brought their SO with! We also watched some videos on our own (Netflix has some to rent or stream) to observe positions and latches.
In the beginning, my hubby helped a lot by handing Rissa to me after I got situated with pillows and the footstool. I couldn't believe how difficult it was to get just right when she was so tiny. He also helped by bringing me snacks and water as needed. During growth spurts, I really needed his help to wait on me because Rissa cluster fed so much.
Last week I talked about a big breastfeeding obstacle and he helped by suggesting we call for help and bringing me my phone. He also tried to look up information for me. The biggest support though, was just being there. He listened to my struggle and reassured me that I was doing a good job and no matter what – I was being the best mom I could be.
I love my sweet support!
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Bugs Mom says
My husband does his best to be supportive, but his support usually comes in the form of telling me its okay if it never happens. Its so nice that you have that kind of support.i
MJ says
I love all these posts about supportive s/o! With our first I dragged the Husband to birthing classes and I think he would have shot me if I made him go again… with that said, he is still my biggest supporter!
Nora says
Great post! I am currently Breastfeeding baby #4, we are at 13 weeks and going strong 8) I breastfed my last baby for 14 months.
I’m a new follower from the Type A Thursday blog hop 8)
http://noraslovinlife.blogspot.com
I Thought I Knew Mama says
Great advice! My husband has been invaluable to me from a breastfeeding support standpoint. Also, it was invaluable for him to attend the breastfeeding class with me in pregnancy. It was very eyeopening for him.
Following you via the Breastfeeding Bloghop!
Amy says
Hubs was totally supportive. Like you he went with me to the nursing class. When I was in the hospital he went to the baby boutique and bought me a nursing night gown to make me more comfortable when feeding Little Bit in front of other family. He also helped me position him and take him back to bed when he was nursing every three hours around the clock. I know I couldn’t have done it without his support!
Marah Mumma says
yeah for hubby support!
thanks for linking up with this weeks breastfeeding blog hop!
htpp://diaryofadevildogwife.com
Darcy says
Thanks for all the comments! I’m glad all of you have/had close support. Glad to hear about other hubby’s going to class as well! :)
I can’t wait to read through all the linkups this weekend!
Jessica says
Hey! I found you through the bloghop! I hope you’ll follow me back.
Jessica.
lifewithalittleguy.blogspot.com
Erin says
My husband is the biggest cheerleader for sure. He’s there when I’ve been at my breaking point and he’s there for the big celebrations (he got my flowers when I hit my 6 month goal!). I don’t know what I’d do if he weren’t willing to hold a crying baby while I take a shower in between marathon nursing sessions when I need a little alone time. I wouldn’t be here, I know that much! Thanks for joining the hop!
Darcy says
Welcome Jessica!
@Erin – I’ve had to do that too! She’s wailing and wanting to nurse constantly but I need to go to the bathroom… oh that first growth spurt was the worst!
FunFritzFamily says
Hi! Thanks for following…I’m following you back!
Darcy says
Thanks! :)
Heather says
Thank you so much for visiting, commenting, and following me at Teens and a Toddler. I am sorry it took me so long to return the follow, but I am back on top of things and following you back.
Darcy says
No worries, Heather. Thanks for returning the visit, comment, and follow :)