Breastfeeding – It takes all of us
It also takes a father's shoulder, a colleague's helping hand, a friend's sympathetic ear and a grandma's eyes.
It takes all of us and our hearts to help mothers breastfeed. Because raising the healthiest possible generation is not only a mother's responsibility. IT TAKES ALL OF US. Fathers, grandparents, friends, and colleagues: you are already helping a lot the breastfeeding mum whom you know closely or intimately. But you may be wondering how you could possibly help her more so that she can breastfeed for longer. We're here to help you out with a few suggestions.
Suggestions for Dad
What about taking the following initiatives to help her?
- Burping baby after feeds as much as you can. Not only does it help mom rest, it also gives you some precious bonding time with the baby.
- Changing baby’s diapers and seeing your baby’s happy and comforted face after.
- Sharing mom’s chores and letting her relax. With her juggling so many responsibilities and emotions, you sharing her chores will make a world of difference.
- Being supportive and helping her de-stress. Being there for her anytime she needs and being supportive of her decision.
- Dear Grandmas, you've seen so much and know so much. What about taking the following initiatives to help her?
- Cooking delicious and healthy meals for mom. Your love and delicious, nutritious food is exactly what mom needs right now.
- Helping with her chores and letting her rest. You know how important some ‘me time’ is. Helping her with her chores and taking care of the baby will give her some much needed time to relax.
- Being supportive and lending advice whenever needed: you are one of the first persons mom comes to when she needs advice. And we know you’re always there, with all the help she needs.
- Encouraging mom to start with Colostrum after baby’s birth: The best gift you could give mom and the baby is to encourage her to feed within the first 30 minutes of birth. Colostrum is the first milk, full of nutrients for the baby.
Suggestions for Friend
Moms need someone to talk to, and you’ve always been her sounding board. Now, more than ever, is when she needs you by her side.
What about taking the following initiatives to help her?
- Be there for a chat anytime she needs. Motherhood will give her so much to talk about and sharing it with you makes her happy.
- Keep offering her your encouragement. New moms deal with a lot of responsibilities and stress. As her friend and pillar, your words of encouragement will help keep her going.
- Make time for your girls’ days out. Moms get so busy, it’s hard to take time out for themselves. Make plans to spend time together and give her a good time.
Help her get over any self-doubts. You’ve always been there for her, telling her how amazing she is. You’re the best person to help rid her of any self-doubts and tell her she’s doing great.
Suggestions for Boss
Making the work-place mom-friendly is a great way to support her.
What about taking the following initiatives to help her?
- Share her professional work-load. If she’s juggling with a heavy work-load, sharing that among colleagues would be great support.
- Allow flexible working hours. She may need reduced working hours or work-from-homes. Allowing this is a positive step in the boss-employee relationship too.
- Set up a clean feeding room in the office. Moms benefit largely from breastfeeding rooms where they can express and store milk and you have it within your power to help her on this front.
Related articles
Your 12th Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is the size of an apricot. It measures 5 cm from crown to rump, and 7.5cm from crown to heel. It weighs 18g. It now looks just like a little human being.
2 mins to read
Stay active to help keep weight in check & increase chances of an easier birth
2 mins to read
3-week pregnant: baby development and diet advice
You’re at the very beginning of the journey. You can’t see anything yet, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a whole lot going on.
3 mins to read
38-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks! Yes, it’s true, you and your little one will soon be making each other’s acquaintance. Everything is pretty much in place. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Critical foods to help you get pregnant
Why are folic acid and iron essential vitamins to take prior to conception? In which foods will I find them? Should I eat them before I get pregnant?
3 mins to read
How to cope with first trimester anxiety
Suffering from first trimester anxiety? You’re not alone, 1 in 10 pregnant women experience this pregnancy symptom in their first trimester. Here’s how to keep the feelings under control.
2 mins to read
Your baby-ready diet
Enjoy the recommended servings from the five food groups to give your baby-to-be a healthy start! Healthy and moderately active?
1 min to read
16-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
If you could see inside yourself and watch your growing baby, you might soon see him sucking his thumb! He has finally managed to get it into his mouth.
2 mins to read
Pregnancy Week by Week
I got the results of my pregnancy test and I’m pregnant! I’m going to be a mom! How can I find out about the different stages of pregnancy week by week?
7 mins to read
Children’s dental care checklist
Looking after our teeth is a lifelong undertaking so it helps to get off to a good start.
2 mins to read
Preconception meal plan: here is what a day of food could look like
Preconception meal plan: get an idea of what your ideal daily menu would look like to set yourself up for a healthy pregnancy.
1 min to read
28-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your little one is around 35 cm long from crown to toe and already weights about 1.3 kilos, a third of her birth weight. Her feet measure nearly 6 cm – yes, they are tiny!
2 mins to read
Your 16th Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is now the size of a grapefruit. Your baby measures 9cm from crown to rump, and 14cm from crown to heel. It now weighs about 110g, the weight of a small apple. You could
3 mins to read
Making healthy diet choices during your pregnancy has many benefits
5 mins to read
4-week pregnancy: baby development and diet advice
Almost one month already! There are lots of things happening inside you this week.
3 mins to read
39-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
You might have felt a few contractions already and were wondering if that was “it”. Don’t worry, you won’t miss the start of labour! Read more about this next to last week.
3 mins to read
Feeling Emotional? It's Those Surging Hormones!
If you are feeling particularly sensitive right now, don't be concerned.
3 mins to read
Questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment
Your very first prenatal appointment is here—exciting! With so much going on, it helps to have a list of pregnancy questions on hand to ask your healthcare provider.
2 mins to read
What exercise can you do while pregnant, and when?
Exercising while you’re pregnant is important for you and your baby’s health. Physical activity can help you control your weight gain, lift your mood, and even help labor go more smoothly.
4 mins to read
