Breastfeeding:What Is Dad's Role?Most people think of breastfeeding as exclusively woman's territory. In actuality, dad has a huge role in weather or not mom can breastfeed successfully. Your attitude towards breastfeeding really helps mom decide to even start or continue to breastfeed. 
Chances are if a baby were bottle-fed, you would be getting up in the middle of the night (after a few elbows from mom) to make and heat up a bottle to feed the hungry little one so mom would be able to get some sleep. But with breastfeeding, most fathers feel very left out and envious. Yes, it's true that since the mother is the one with the "goods", she'll be the only one feeding your precious little one but don't be mistaken, they both still very much need YOU.
Here are a few ways that you can help your beautiful wife give your baby the best start in life:
• Make sure she has enough pillows. Quite often, one is not enough.
• Breastfeeding makes you quite thirsty so make sure she has water or a beverage. Liquid out... liquid in!
• "Honey, are you hungry?" Believe it or not, she'll forget to eat.
• In the morning, take the baby out of the bedroom, letting your wife get some badly needed, quiet, uninterrupted sleep.
• Encourage her to breastfeed in public. New moms cling to the sanctuary of home when new to nursing but in truth, it's great for her and the baby to get outside. When out in public, be her human shield. If she's uncomfortable, block her from peering eyes with your body or hold up a blanket until the baby is latched on and she's covered.
• A just-fed baby is the perfect baby to have fun with! It's never too early to start teaching and reading to her, they're like little sponges!
• Babies love to use daddy's warm chests to take naps.
• Time with daddy teaches your baby that there's more to life than just mommy. You will play a vital role in your child's life, so no better time to start than right now.
• My husband was always a refreshing change to my daughter. He rough-houses with her and teaches her things I would never have thought of.
• Give your baby a bath. It's never too early to start a night-time routine, which will eventually help your little one to sleep through the night. Yay!
• Baby wearing is not just for mom. Buy yourself a sling, pouch, wrap or whatever best fits you. There are many macho looking ones out on the market today that are made just for dads. The bonding experience that you will provide for your baby will be just as strong as mom's.
• Burp! When your son is nicely full, gently burp him afterwards.
• Educate yourself. Get some breastfeeding books and learn the process. From colostrum (first stage milk) to transitional milk to mature milk. The more you know, the more help you will be and she will be very impressed and appreciate it more than you know. BONUS POINTS!
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