Feeding questions from an anxious first time dad | DadHQ

Feeding questions from an anxious first time dad

1d ago1 min read

Wife is breastfeeding and doing great but I feel useless. She's exhausted and I want to help but the baby only wants boob. My mom said try pumped milk in a bottle so I can take a feeding but then I'm worried about nipple confusion. Also how long does the cluster feeding phase last because it's brutal watching my wife be a feeding machine for 4 hours straight. Any advice on how to actually support her better?

7 comments127 views

Comments(7)

TTobias K.Regular12h ago

You're not useless man, you just gotta find your lane. When my wife was nursing I handled diaper changes, burping, getting her water and snacks at 2am, bath time. Feeding is one thing but there's so much else. You got this.

BBradRegular9h ago

Honestly the best thing you can do is keep her fed, hydrated, and rested. Nursing takes a lot out of her. Make her snacks, bring her water, handle the other kid stuff if you have it. That's not useless, that's everything.

RRyanRegularjust now

Pumping bottles worked great for us when my wife needed a break. That way she can rest and you get to feed the baby and bond. Might be worth asking her about it if she's open to it.

AAlexRegular1d ago

This feeling is real. I was the same way. Start by taking the night shift stuff off her plate - bottles of pumped milk, diaper duty, whatever helps her rest. My wife appreciated the backup plan so she could actually sleep.

BBradRegular1d ago

The anxiety is normal but here's the thing - she needs you doing everything EXCEPT feeding right now. Night changes, laundry, dishes, keeping her hydrated. You're essential even if it doesn't feel like it.

NNate B.Regular1d ago

The exhaustion is real. My suggestion is take the night shifts or early mornings so she can get solid sleep blocks. That made the biggest difference for my wife. You stepping up there is huge.

TTony M.New Dad21h ago

You're not useless at all. When my wife was nursing I did literally everything else - diapers, laundry, dishes, holding the baby so she could sleep. Being the support person IS helping. Don't underestimate that.