As a dad you might feel that there isn’t much you can do to help your partner with breastfeeding. But a dad or partner’s role can be vital and make all the difference.

Women are much more likely to breastfeed for longer when they have their partner’s support. This leads to a greater sense of achievement for mum, and health benefits for both mum and baby. It can be a bonding experience for the whole family.

Practical ways you can help
Go to antenatal or breastfeeding sessions: Some sessions are organised especially for dads. Ask at your local Children’s Centre, for further details. Learning the same information as your partner and discussing it together can be really helpful, especially in the early days when everything is very new and sometimes feels overwhelming.

Give emotional and practical support: It can be a really hard time in the early days when babies and children take up all of your energy. But it doesn’t last forever. Try to make time for each other when you can. Do little things to make each other feel cared for and included.

Arrange paternity leave: Talk to your employer about paternity leave early on so that you can plan how this best suits your family needs.

Make her life easier: It's the little things that make a big difference. For example, bring her dinner if the baby wants to feed at the same time; bring her a cup of tea and a magazine; or even arrange for family or friends to keep her company while you’re at work.

Provide some stress-relief: If you already have young children, take the stress away from mum by keeping them entertained while she feeds the baby. Do your bit around the house, and give your partner some time to relax and regain her energy.

Getting to know your baby
As the partner, you can get to know your baby in lots of different ways, such as bathing or carrying your baby in a sling close to you. Also, your baby may sometimes settle well with you rather than their mum. Get involved in your baby’s care. Giving your baby their bath, changing nappies and being part of getting ready for bed are great ways of becoming close to your baby.

After a few weeks, if your partner begins to express her breast milk, you could give your baby a bottle of breast milk. Not all babies are keen to bottle feed; some prefer only to breastfeed. Very soon, at around six months, your baby will be ready to try solid foods, and you can enjoy this exciting time with them.

Sex after childbirth
A mum’s body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy, the birth and breastfeeding. She may be sore for a while, depending on how the birth went, and her breasts may feel tender or leak milk while having sex. This is normal. Talk to your partner about how you’re both feeling.

Learn more about contraception just after birth.

 If your partner wants to have sex but you’re feeling uncomfortable because she’s breastfeeding, remember that breastfeeding is completely natural and normal. Like many other aspects of parenthood, it just takes a while to get used to.