Breastfeeding questions for us dads

May 8·1 min read

My wife is struggling with breastfeeding and I feel useless. She's in pain, the baby isn't latching great, and I don't know how to help. I can bring her water and pillows but I feel like I should be able to do more. Any dads here have partners who struggled? What helped you support them through it? She's talking about switching to formula and I want to support whatever makes her happy but I also want to help her succeed if that's what she wants.

4 comments103 views

Comments(4)

DDerekNew DadMay 9

You're already not useless by caring this much and asking. That matters more than you know. Partner support is half the battle when breastfeeding is tough.

CChris R.RegularMay 9

Latch issues are brutal for mom. My wife went through this and the lactation consultant was worth every penny. Have you guys talked to one yet? Sometimes it's just technique and can be fixed pretty quick.

DDanielRegularMay 9

My wife had latch problems with our second and we ended up supplementing with formula while working with a lactation consultant. No shame in that game. Sometimes it's the answer that makes everyone happier.

RRexRegularMay 10

You're not useless at all. You can be there emotionally and practically even if you're not the one breastfeeding. Help with positioning, bring her water, take the baby after feeds so she can rest. And honestly just listening without trying to fix it helps.