Breastfeeding Benefits for the Father
Many dads worry they won’t be able to bond with their new baby because the mother is breastfeeding. They feel they might miss out on the closeness that comes from feeding a baby. However, there are many breastfeeding benefits for the father that he may not have thought of:
• Breastfeeding is Cost Effective
Daddy will be happy to see how much money he will save (at least $1000/year) when mommy breastfeeding rather than using formula. The high cost of formula, bottles, and doctor’s visit due to increased illness of formula fed babies are what makes up this great savings.
• More Sleep
Since mommy is nursing, daddy can sleep the night away. Of course, some dads to get up to offer baby a bottle of expressed milk, especially if mom is also working outside the home.
• Proud Daddy
Fathers take pride in their children’s intelligence and health. Breastfed babies score at least 8 points higher on IQ tests and are generally healthier, even on into adulthood.
• Have Fun with Baby
Just because fathers can’t breastfeed doesn’t mean they can’t have fun with their baby! Dads can rock the baby, wear him in a sling, take baby for a walk, read to, and play with him or her. Dads aren’t babysitters, they’re parents. Babies love Dad’s voice, his hairy chest and the different way he interacts with them. Dads are also essential during the postpartum period when mom is tired. He can keep baby happy inbetween nursings while mom rests.
• Support Mom
Since dads don’t have the equipment to nurse, they are able to do the things that mom is unable to do such as clean, cook and care for baby and mom during the first few weeks after baby is born. This is a great help to mom and appreciated. Dads often become a mother’s biggest support and breastfeeding advocate when he experiences personally the many benefits breastfeeding has to offer.
As a side note, breastfed baby poops don’t stink so diaper changing is a little more pleasant – at least until the solid foods start!
Tags: dads